Expect Latavius Murray to Take a Pay-Cut (or Get Cut) by Friday
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:
#Vikings are expected to ask RB Latavius Murray to take a pay cut, and if he refuses, word is the team will release him. Murray is scheduled to make $5.15 million in base w/ a $6.35 million cap hit
Per: Shawn Zobel pic.twitter.com/TKX4DQlM3P
— VikingNations (@VikingNations) March 13, 2018
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.
One of the most surprising deals of free agency will be Jerrick McKinnon’s with the 49ers: It is expected to be a four-year deal worth $30 million — an average of $7.5 million per year, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
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.
Go sign Legarrette Blount for $1M. He does everything just as good as Murray for a fraction of the cost. Already would know the offense too. https://t.co/CXV05ffXWi
— J.R. (@JReidDraftScout) March 13, 2018
Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com
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