Making the case against DeMarco Murray to the Jets via free agency

Heading into free agency, the New York Jets would be wise to stay away from running back DeMarco Murray.

When it comes to the running back situation of the New York Jets, they have to consider the reality of the situation. Running back Bilal Powell is good but has yet to be given an opportunity for starting duties. Is there something fans don’t know as to why the Jets use him mostly as a backup?

Your guess is as good as mine but maybe it’s due to his injury history or simply, he wouldn’t be able to handle being a starter and lasting an entire season without missing time. Then there is Elijah McGuire, who besides in one game last season, faded away in his rookie season. Most of it had to do with former offensive coordinator not using him to his potential but either way, McGuire has some work ahead of him to get to the next level.

With the retirement of Matt Forte, there is a void to fill for the Jets running back corps that should be addressed via free agency or the 2018 NFL Draft. Hopefully, they stay away from free agent running back DeMarco Murray due to various reasons.

Besides being 30-years-old, Murray is unfortunately past his prime. Yes, a few years ago, he would have been a big acquisition by the Jets since he still had a lot of gas left in the tank after his monster season with the Dallas Cowboys back in 2014.

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Now in 2018? He’s coming off one of his worst seasons yet as he was released by the Tennessee Titans after spending two years with the team. Last year, Murray totaled just 659 rushing yards, 184 rushes, and six touchdowns. Mind you, this was him in a situational role with the Titans, sharing reps with future star running back Derrick Henry.

Murray isn’t going to come in and be a lightning in a bottle player since as it stands, he’ll also be in another situational role with the Jets if he does get brought into the mix. Not capable of being an effective starter anymore, Murray wouldn’t be worth investing in since he’s not a long-term option.

If anything, the Jets should have learned about bringing in aging running backs from their Forte acquisition a few years ago. Yes, veteran leadership is important but in the grand scheme of things and considering the Jets are trying to rebuild with youth, they should get a younger running back in free agency or simply draft one in April to complement Powell and McGuire.

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Overall, Murray just wouldn’t be worth bringing in since at best, he’s a rotational running back that would help younger players around him thanks to his veteran experience. The Jets have been down this road before with Forte and should change things up this time around by bringing in a younger and above all else, more effective running back that can push the envelope on offense.