Titans release former Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray, bulking up running back free agent class

Thursday the Titans announced they will be releasing running back DeMarco Murray after two seasons with the team. The now 30-year-old back will be a free agent just ahead of the start of free agency.

It was not so long ago that DeMarco Murray ran for enough yards in one season for two seasons. He was the NFL rushing champ and Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 with the Cowboys. That season he put up 1845 yards and 13 TDs along with 416 receiving yards for an astounding 2261 yards from scrimmage.

He signed a big free agent deal with the Eagles after that, didn’t fit with what they were doing and so he was traded to the Titans where he ran for 1287 yards in his first year and returned to the Pro Bowl.

Last season, his numbers fell to to 659 yards while splitting carries with second year back Derrick Henry. With the 7-year veteran Murray scheduled to make $6.5 million this season with no dead money left behind if cut, the decision was not a difficult one.

Murray joins a free agent group that features Dion Lewis (Patriots), Isaiah Crowell (Browns), and Carlos Hyde (49ers) among others. With the Steelers once again using the franchise tag on Le’Veon Bell, Murray could be an attractive option for a needy team. More importantly, his inclusion offers more options which means less competition for each player and lower prices across the board.

With Marshawn Lynch under contract, Murray isn’t a great option for the Raiders. But one of the others could very well be. So, welcome to the party, DeMarco. Have a good free agent tour.