The Oakland Raiders are reportedly expecting starting running back Latavius Murray to sign with another team in free agency this March.
According to Josina Anderson of ESPN, Oakland isn’t shutting the door on a possible return for Murray but expects him to bolt for more money.
I'm told #OAK expects to let RB Latavius Murray go into FA. Source: "The door will remain open for a posb return after he tests his market."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 26, 2017
As general manager Reggie McKenzie has already made clear, Oakland’s main financial priority this offseason is getting quarterback Derek Carr and pass rusher Khalil Mack signed to long-term extensions.
Anderson said that point was reiterated to her and noted the team knows the upcoming draft is “deep with running backs.”
Murray has been the Raiders’ starting running back the past two seasons, during which time he’s rushed for 1,854 yards and 18 touchdowns in 30 games. He’s not among the league’s elite running backs but is a serviceable player who appears to have plenty of mileage left on his body.
It remains to be seen how valuable other teams see Murray. Every year, the draft provides talent from the first round to those who never get drafted. This year there is an influx of talent at the position, and it might not be the best offseason to test the market. With that in mind, we don’t expect Murray to haul in a huge deal in free agency.
With that in mind, it wouldn’t be all that shocking if he does end up back in Oakland wearing black and silver once again. Unless, of course, he’s dead set on heading to a run-first team that will feature him more than he will be with the Raiders.