Tennessee Titans: Time could be running out with DeMarco Murray
By Chris Clark
DeMarco Murray has been a key player for the the Titans since he arrived, but after a mediocre season, there’s a few questions about his future as a Titan.
DeMarco Murray is a versatile player that was very important to Mike Mularkey’s “exotic smashmouth” offense. Then, the Titans and Mularkey mutually parted ways. Now, Murray’s future with the Titans is bleak.
The Titans traded for DeMarco Murray after the 2015 season, acquiring him from the Eagles. He had a big year in 2016, becoming the first Titans’ 1,000-yard rusher since Chris Johnson did so in 2013. Murray had 1,287 rushing yards, and 1,624 yards from scrimmage, with nine touchdowns.
Those numbers dwarf his 2017 stats. He managed only 659 yards and 6 touchdowns. Injuries could be the blame for such a down year. But one could argue when he was healthy, he still was ineffective.
Murray had one 100+ yard rushing game in week 3 against the Seahawks in the 2017 season, when he rushed for 115 yards. He didn’t come close to another 100 yard game for the rest of the season. His highest total afterwards was 66 yards rushing.
With a new coaching staff likely comes a new offensive system, and new offensive coordinator Matt LeFleur is looking to add more explosive plays into the Titans’ offense.
Before I get to my next point, let me say that LeFleur did say the running game is important to his offense. However, it’s sounding more like the running game will be less of a focus for him than it was for Mike Mularkey and Terry Robiskie, who relied heavily on DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry.
That means that DeMarco Murray could be let go. Murray is currently on a four-year, $25.25M contract, and he’s set to make $12.75M in his third year. If Jon Robinson is smart, he’s likely not paying a back-up running back like that. The Titans would save $6.5M of cap space if he’s released this offseason.
Mike Vrabel and Matt LeFleur would probably love to work with two former-Heisman winners in two of the most important positions on the offense: QB Marcus Mariota and RB Derrick Henry. Heading into his third season, its past time for Henry to get the nod at starting running back.
Derrick Henry turned some heads with some good performances down the stretch of the Titans season. The then-backup running back took advantage of playing time due to Murray’s injury.
In his Week 17 start against the Jaguars, he had 117 total scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. As a backup throughout the season, Henry had two 100-yard rushing games (vs. IND, at HOU).
What Could Happen If DeMarco Murray’s Released?
Murray is a veteran running back that showed he’s still capable of putting up big numbers. So, it’s likely he won’t last long in free agency. However, Murray buying a house in Tennessee and stating that he wants to retire a Titan could mean that releasing him will result in his retirement.
If Murray retired and decided to stick around and help develop Derrick Henry, Henry could benefit. I haven’t heard any rumors of Murray retiring, so this is all just speculation by me. But, I believe it’s something to think about.