Super Bowl contender the Kansas City Chiefs are favorites to land Pro Bowl veteran running back, Latavius Murray this offseason. According to a source, they are urging the team to sign Murry and take another look at the running back locker room. Isiah Pacheco is the starter for years to come but this doesn’t mean they have reliability in their depth chart. Clyde Edwards-Helaire looks to be the No. 2 running back but they don’t have anyone to fill the third-string position.
It seems like the former Buffalo Bill could be on the move again to land realistically with the Chiefs. He isn’t a starter in his career anymore but this invaluable role would give him a chance to offer something. The source is urging Kansas City to bolster their roster with this move on their run for a third consecutive Super Bowl. However, what’s interesting is that the Chiefs haven’t done anything to bring back Jerick McKinnon after having a better season than Edwards-Helaire.
McKinnon isn’t returning to the team but Pacheco could use an extra hand in the backfield. Edwards-Helaire hasn’t been doing anything special to help this offense which could make one wonder why the Chiefs are bringing him back. They could look to Murray to fill the hole that McKinnon is leaving while he was reliable for speed and trick plays. However, he can’t afford to slip up if he lands with the Chiefs considering he doesn’t have many football days at age 34.
Last year, Murray appeared in 16 games but only made four starts. His production has been slowing down in recent memory which means the Chiefs could get him for cheap. Behind James Cook, Murray was able to record 300 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 79 attempts.
Kansas City Chiefs Are Favorites To Land Pro Bowl Veteran Latavius Murray
He Should Be Healthy for 2024 Season
Many sources are urging the Chiefs to find a No. 3 running back to help the backfield. McKinnon was a reliable run-blocker and provided pass-protection so the chances of Murray providing the same upside are slim. However, Edwards-Helaire didn’t show anything special last season with the team. This opens the opportunity for the Chiefs to bring in someone with experience to the backfield which they could pick up the phone to call Murray for a visit.
Louis Rees-Zammit is earning praise at practice but he needs more time to adjust as he has a huge learning curve ahead of him. The Chiefs don’t want to force the rugby star to get in the starting mix too early if he isn’t ready. However, the good news for them is that Murray could still excel in picking up blitzes and fill that void for McKinnon. He could provide value in the passing game in moments where Patrick Mahomes may do some trickery plays again.
Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach is leaving the door open for competition for the No. 3 spot. However, it would be smart to bring in some type of veteran to beef it up to replicate what McKinnon was trying to do. Here are some potential trade fits for Murray.
Potential Trade Fits for Murray
The Carolina Panthers could be looking for some backfield help if they decide to move on from Miles Sanders. Sanders hasn’t been doing anything in his first year as Chubba Hubbard has been taking most of the snaps. The offense probably won’t magically change considering he wants to still be a starter. Murray is a low-cost effective option to come on the field when they need him.
However, the Chargers are going to put their heart into this year’s running game. The backfield doesn’t look promising with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards alone. They have a bad history of injuries so Murray stepping in wouldn’t hurt considering Jim Harbaugh wants a strong roster with running backs. The same scenario goes for the Ravens even though they were able to bring in a promising starter in Derrick Henry.
They could use a backup despite having Keaton Mitchell but he may need some mentorship before he becomes the permanent No. 2 running back.
