Minnesota Vikings sign playmaker in Latavius Murray
One of the premier young running backs has been poached from the free agency market. Latavius Murray is headed to Minnesota, and he has some big shoes to fill.
Latavius Murray’s addition gives the Vikings a big time weapon. Murray has a rare combination of size and speed that allowed him to be consistently productive in Oakland. The Vikings need all the offensive firepower they can muster after petering out last year despite a strong defensive performance.
Murray will join a Vikings backfield that ran for the fewest yards per game last season. Vikings fans will rejoice to see a true workhorse back pick up Adrian Peterson’s mantle. Murray fits very well in Minnesota. The former Oakland running back will be relied on from the get-go in 2017.
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Murray’s arrival all but confirms Adrian Peterson’s career in Minnesota has come to an end.
"With us signing (Latavius) Murray, Adrian will move on elsewhere." - GM Rick Spielman
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 16, 2017
Murray will prove to be a good three down back. Entering his fifth year in the league, he still has plenty of miles in the tank. Murray is a significant addition because he fills a major need right before draft time.
The Vikings have limited picks and in this year’s draft after trading for Sam Bradford and most of their draft should be used to bolster their offensive line for their new running back and whoever is starting under center in 2017 and beyond.