Expect Latavius Murray to Take a Pay-Cut (or Get Cut) by Friday

Nov 23, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 23, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports



Currently, the majority of Skol Nation’s talk (rightfully so) remains centered around the all-important QB position. With the Kirk Cousins acquisition dominating the Viking-related headlines, some may have missed this information regarding RB Latavius Murray:

It’s no secret that Dalvin Cook is slated to be Minnesota’s main ball carrier, next season. Per reports, the Florida State alum is ahead of schedule in recovering from his ACL tear. As he did prior to the knee injury, the 22 year-old is said to look “phenomenal.

Another non-confidential piece of information is that Jerick McKinnon is on his way to San Fransisco.

There is only one “r” in Jerick, Adam.

With McKinnon *insert “Jet” pun here* from Minnesota for the big bucks in SF, let’s not forget about the still-highly paid running back on the roster in Minnesota. As tweeted above, Murray carries a $6.35M 2018 cap space, if still on the roster on March 16th (Friday). 

Prior to Wednesday’s league-wide FA deals, Murray was scheduled to be the fifth highest paid RB in 2018. Jet got that fat contract because he’s an all-purpose back, unlike Murray. Latavius catches the ball well out of the backfield but his maneuvering and speed, once he has the ball, leaves plenty to be desired. It’s definitely hard to argue his value being worth top-5 RB money…

The Purple need depth on both sides of the field but may not have much money to do it, given the recent money spent (or about to be spent) on QB. This is 2008 2018. The all eggs in one basket, AP-esque days are dead. Rest in Peace.

If given the ultimatum (as expected) to take a pay cut or take a hike, there are no clear indications on how Murray would react. However, if forced to cut ties, the Vikings would save over $4M in cap space (the cap penalty to cut him is only $1.2M compared to the $6.35M hit, if on the roster after Friday, from above).

In the event you want to lose sleep, do it over the Vikings’ lack of defensive line depth. Compared to the magnitude of that situation, this little RB hiccup is child’s play.

With that being said, you’d assume the Tay Train will accept his value, and take the pay cut. In the event he doesn’t, the way I see it, his services are damn near a dime a dozen. Whether it’s via free agency or the draft, a suitable replacement for Latavius Murray wouldn’t be difficult to find.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

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