The Saints released Latavius Murray Tuesday after he refused a pay cut, leaving the former Pro Bowler without a job days before the regular season. A career 4.2-yard-per-carry rusher with 45 touchdowns to his NFL credit, Murray would have been a strong insurance policy for the Saints, giving New Orleans a capable backup behind backfield anchor Alvin Kamara.
Given his experience and outstanding track record as a goal-line finisher, the short-yardage specialist figures to resurface sooner rather than later, even after stumbling to an anemic 1.22 yards per attempt during the Saints’ preseason slate. The Ravens, ravaged by injuries to J.K. Dobbins (ACL) and Justice Hill (Achilles), could be a fit, though obviously, Murray won’t have as many options as he would have during March’s free agency.
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This kind of manipulation and posturing happens in the NFL on a daily basis, but that doesn’t make it any less cruel. Stringing Murray along all summer when it seemed New Orleans had no intention of keeping him (at least at his $2.95-million salary) didn’t sit well with Fox Sports analyst Shannon Sharpe, who called out the Saints for putting the veteran’s “back against the wall.”
“You never know what the future holds,” said GM Mickey Loomis, implying the Saints might be amenable to a reunion with Murray somewhere down the line. “He’s got a lot of football left in him and we just wish him the best.” Clearly the Saints wouldn’t have made this move if they weren’t extremely confident in undrafted sophomore Tony Jones, who should inherit the “big-back” role from Murray.
“I’m willing to discuss an opportunity with anyone that’s interested in me,” Murray told Josina Anderson of USA Today. “I just want to work.” Cut-down day across the league can be a ruthless affair, and unfortunately for Murray and others in his position, high-priced veterans are usually first up on the chopping block. Regardless of whether you agree with the Saints’ tactics—and clearly Sharpe doesn’t—it surely won’t stop teams from chewing up and spitting out players they view as replaceable.
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