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The Titans have announced today they will release running back DeMarco Murray. We all knew this was coming. Now it is official:
The Titans have informed RB DeMarco Murray that he will be released.
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) March 8, 2018
Details » https://t.co/OE6YTTTPrt pic.twitter.com/gpKcvA9I5T
Murray was slowed by injuries last season, but it was obvious that he had lost a step. There was no way they were going to pay him $6.5 million for this season. There is no prorated bonus money left on Murray’s contract, so the Titans save $6.5 million with this move.
This move also clears the way for Derrick Henry to be the lead back. It was obvious to everyone except for the coaching staff that needed to be the case last year. Now it is Henry’s backfield.
With that being said, the Titans will be adding a back to compliment Henry. That guy will need to be someone that brings some explosiveness in the passing game. Murray just wasn’t able to provide that spark anymore.
Jon Robinson made a great move when he acquired Murray in a trade prior to the 2016 season. Murray ran for 1,287 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2016.
Robinson had this to say about DeMarco:
#Titans GM Jon Robinson: “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. He was a pro in every facet and we wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
— Jonathan Hutton (@Hutton1045) March 8, 2018