The New Orleans Saints go into the second week of the preseason with too many questions at too many positions. The Saints are weaknesses have not been addressed thus far into the NFL year. With depth at running back, the Saints should try and fill these positions as soon as possible by shopping Latavius Murray. Murray has been consistent and reliable for the Saints, but Sean Payton knows how to find running back talent. In order to help the rest of the team, the Saints should trade Latavius Murray before the 2021 NFL regular season begins.
The New Orleans Saints Should Trade Latavius Murray for a Needed Position
One of Sean Payton’s many talents is finding productive running backs. Over the years, Payton has gotten production from backs that others simply passed on. Pierre Thomas is the first that comes to mind. Thomas was a huge part of the Saints early success and helped the Super Bowl run. Chris Ivory was also a hidden gem found by Payton, leading the Saints in rushing in 2010. Ivory averaged over five yards per carry in his three seasons with the Saints. Even Alvin Kamara can be attributed to Payton’s ability to see the talent in running backs. Kamara was a third-round pick. If other teams knew the kind of production Kamara was going to bring to the NFL, it is hard to think he would have fallen to the third round.
Speaking of Alvin Kamara, he will of course lead the Saints backfield this year. Behind him are several players well suited for the secondary role though. The first preseason game saw the emergence of Tony Jones Jr. Dwayne Washington is also on the roster and Ty Montgomery flashed in his limited opportunities at running back last season. If anyone could get the last bit out of newly signed Devonta Freeman, then it would be this Saints offense. If Murray was shopped and traded, then the Saints can be comfortable with what they have already on the roster.
Latavius Murray Value for Other NFL Teams
Latavius Murray has been productive in the NFL. He has has a consistent four yards per carry average in his entire NFL career. Murray has also been sure-handed, only fumbling nine times in his entire career on almost 1300 total touches. He also has two more years left on his Saints contract. Murray is owed three million each of the next two seasons. So any team needing a running back can get a very affordable contract for the next two seasons.
Several teams could use a running back like Latavius Murray. Recently, the injury of Clyde Edwards-Helaire ignited talk of the Kansas City Chiefs needing another body in their backfield. Other teams who could use a powerful runner like Murray include the New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans. The Jets are likely to roll out Michael Carter as their starter, who is more of an Alvin Kamara-type running back. The Rams recently lost Cam Akers and could use a big body. The Dolphins and Texans have confusing backfields and are unsure who will actually lead their units.
Saints Should Trade Murray for Needed Position
The New Orleans Saints should use Sean Payton’s talent for finding running backs to improve other units on the team. The Saints have holes at defensive tackle, cornerback, kicker, and wide receiver. Latavius Murray’s veteran presence and consistency should interest several NFL teams going into the regular season. New Orleans can use the remaining preseason games to spotlight Murray, hopefully drawing interest of these teams.
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