Big-name All-Pro running back released
The lifespan of a starting NFL running back is notoriously short. With a few exceptions (Frank Gore comes to mind), a running back’s days are numbered when he hits 30 years old.
Last week, Jonathan Stewart, the Carolina Panthers’ all-time rushing leader, was released by the team. He turned 30 last March.
On the same day, Matt Forte announced his retirement at age 32 after his productivity plummeted in the last two seasons with the Jets. That brought an admiring tweet from the Titans’ DeMarco Murray.
Truly was a pleasure watching you get it done on all 3 downs from start to finish. Your playmaking ability in the passing game was simply prolific. Admired your game from a far, but more so the man you were off the field. Hats off to a hell of a career @MattForte22
— DeMarco Murray (@DeMarcoMurray) February 28, 2018
Murray celebrated his 30th birthday on Feb. 12.
On Thursday, Tennessee announced it was releasing the former All-Pro.
“I want to thank DeMarco for his contributions as a Titan, not only for what he did on the field but also in the locker room and in the community,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said in a statement. “He was a pro in every facet and we wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
Murray spent two seasons in Tennessee, starting every game he played in but sharing time with former Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, a second-round pick in 2016. The younger back proved to be more effective in 2017, rushing for 744 yards (4.2 per carry) vs. 659 (3.6 per carry) for Murray.
The writing was on the wall when Robinson, who hired Mike Vrabel in January to replace the fired Mike Mularkey as head coach, gushed over Henry last month.
“We are glad Derrick is on the football team and look forward to handing it to him, throwing it to him, and getting it in his hands so he can make yards,” the GM said. “He is a bigger back, as we all know, and has good speed in the open field. He is a guy who can get downhill, and he has the ability to pick and slide and get up in a crease. We are looking forward to him getting back, and working with him in the new offense.”
Releasing the veteran back saves the Titans $4.5 million in cap space.
Murray was selected by Dallas in the third round of the 2011 draft out of Oklahoma.
His best season came in 2014, when he rushed for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns with the Cowboys and was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
The following year Murray was a free agent, and he signed a five-year, $42 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He struggled in Chip Kelly’s offense, however, and was traded to the Titans.
In 2016, he rushed for 1,287 yards and nine touchdowns for Tennessee despite sharing time with Henry.
Murray was less successful in 2017, and he missed the regular season finale with a knee injury.
He tried to battle through injury for you. Should have at least given him one more year. #shame
— Willis (@wayofwillis) March 8, 2018
In a story on their website, the Titans credited Murray with helping “change the culture in the locker room. … He held teammates accountable, and showed leadership and professionalism with his work ethic and approach.”
While it seems unlikely that he’ll get another shot as a starter at age 30, he believes he can still produce as a featured back.
“I feel very confident in myself,” Murray told ESPN in mid-January. “Excited for the future. Excited for my future. I know what type of player I am.”
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