Veteran running back Latavius Murray and the New Orleans Saints have parted ways. The Saints decided to release Murray this week, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reporting the news.
According to Schefter, the Saints made a move after unsuccessfully approaching Murray with a salary reduction proposal earlier this week. The 31-year-old player was set to earn $3.15 million this season according to the four-year, $14.4 million contract he signed with the franchise in 2019.
Murray played well for the Saints last season, managing to rush for 656 yards and four touchdowns in a backup role behind Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara. He was also useful in the passing game, making 23 catches for 176 yards and one score.
But despite his production, the Saints were comfortable walking away from Murray after 2020’s undrafted pickup Tony Jones Jr. showed potential in the preseason. Jones, who spent much of the last season on the team’s practice squad, rushed for 106 yards and a TD in two preseason games while also managing to come down with six receptions for 42 yards.
Given his track record, Latavius Murray should have no trouble landing a spot on an NFL team before Week 1. Murray, who also played with the Raiders and Minnesota Vikings in the past, has 4,991 career rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns. He has one Pro Bowl nod from 2015.
