After the Oakland Raiders enjoyed a successful 2016 NFL season where they went 12-4, they now head into the offseason with several question marks about their roster. The team is set to have 13 unrestricted free agents and they will have to decide who they bring back and at what price.
One of the biggest free agents on the Raiders is running back Latavius Murray. Murray, who was drafted by the Raiders in 2013, will be a target for teams in need of a running back with his size and talent. However, the 27-year-old shared his agent had conversations with the Raiders about a contract extension according to Jerry McDonald of San Jose Mercury News:
Murray said his agent had conversations with the Raiders about an extension “but nothing is concrete at this point. We’ll see what happens.”
While nothing has materialized from those conversations, it appears Murray would like to remain with the Raiders:
“I don’t think I ever want to be a guy who bounces around or things like that,” Murray said. “I’d love to finish my career here. I think says a lot about any player who’s able to stay in one place. I’d love to finish what I started, but I know how things could go.”
While some might argue the Raiders should spend elsewhere with rookie running backs Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington already under contract, the team should consider bringing Murray back to keep their young core of players together. After surpassing expectations this season, it might be in Oakland’s best interest to see what they have going forward and if they can make a deep postseason run.
Murray earned Pro Bowl honors in 2015 when he amassed 1,066 rushing yards and scored six rushing touchdowns. However, the running back took a bit of a backseat in the offense this past year, only rushing for 788 yards. However, he did manage to double his touchdown total to 12, proving to be an efficient goal line back.
