Major changes are coming to the New Orleans Saints’ backfield before their season opener against the Green Bay Packers. Moments ago, ESPN insider Adam Schefter announced that Latavius Murray has been released.
The Saints reportedly asked Murray to take a pay cut before eventually parting ways with him.
“Saints are releasing RB Latavius Murray, per source,” Schefter said. “They asked for a pay reduction yesterday and he refused.”
Murray had two years remaining on his contract. He was set to make over $3 million this season. New Orleans won’t take on a huge dead cap hit for releasing him.
Even though Murray did struggle in the preseason, there are several teams who can use him in short-yardage situations.
Last season, Murray had 656 rushing yards, 176 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. He formed a really nice duo in the backfield with Alvin Kamara.
Saints are releasing RB Latavius Murray, per source. They asked for a pay reduction yesterday and he refused. Murray is coming off his best season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 7.7 yards per catch.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2021
Taking over Murray’s spot on the depth chart in New Orleans is Tony Jones Jr. from Notre Dame. The second-year tailback looked very sharp this summer to say the least. During the team’s preseason opener, he had seven carries for 82 rushing yards and a touchdown.
“Tony Jones Jr. ran with such great vision and patience during the preseason,” Saints insider Nick Underhill said. “The release of Murray isn’t altogether a shock. Jones was pressing him for that job.”
We’ll see if Jones can make an impact in the Saints’ Week 1 matchup against the Packers.
The post Saints Reportedly Make Decision On Veteran RB Latavius Murray appeared first on The Spun.
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