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Should the Oakland Raiders Re-Sign RB Latavius Murray?

When the Houston Texans eliminated the Oakland Raiders from the playoffs, the 2016 season drew to a close. With that said, a new season starts: Free Agency and Draft preparation are the two most important off-season activities of any NFL franchise. Similarly, the Raiders have thirteen unrestricted free agents. Starting RB Latavius Murray is one of them. Murray’s potential to remain in Oakland is tricky. Here’s why:

Money: Murray’s rookie deal expired Saturday. That deal paid him $566,550 in 2016. First thing to remember is where the team drafted him. (6th round, 188th overall). In relation to other starting backs, Murray is comparatively underpaid. Questions arise when an exact dollar amount is attached to his name. What’s fair to him and the Oakland Raiders? Spotrac assesses his market value as 3.3 million dollars per season. That number slots him at 21st overall for running backs. Are there twenty better running backs in the NFL?

Free Agent Market: Granted, the slim pickings actually benefit Latavius Murray. Of the pending unrestricted free agent backs under the age of 30, only Le’Veon Bell and Eddie Lacy are more productive than Murray. Meaning, teams will line up in March at his door. The Jets, Browns, Colts, Eagles, Lions, and Saints each need a back.


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Oakland Raiders’ Role: Although Murray is the lead back; the coaches sliced his number of touches in 2016. Preferring to adopt a running back by committee style of offense, Murray would line up in the backfield to start drives, subbed out in the middle, then return on goal line situations. At the same time, rookies Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington would see large amounts of field time. Provided that Murray returns with a salary raise in tow, his number of touches must increase.

Skills: Murray is a big back, armed with a new aggression. Whereas, he was known for breaking long runs, for example:

In 2016, a transformation occurred. Murray began playing with the power you expect a 6’3”, 230 pound back would. Murray finishes his runs with emphasis and power.

Given these points, the Oakland Raiders must attempt to re-sign Latavius Murray, at a reasonable rate. However, his age (27 on January 18th), list of potentially overpaying suitors, and reduced role in the offense makes this difficult. RaiderNation wants Latavius Murray back. Honestly, Latavius Murray should take the most money from whoever offers it.

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