And NFL free-agency starts off with a bang.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade Demarco Murray to the Tennessee Titans.
#Eagles spent the last few weeks shopping DeMarco Murray, who wasn't happy in Philadelphia. Mission accomplished today. Off to #Titans
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016
DeMarco Murray Trade Opens Up Running Back Market
The trade opens up what was previously a dwindling class of featured running backs. Murray will headline a Titans backfield that was up for grabs last year, leaving Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles as the committee in Philadelphia.
Murray, the 2014 fantasy MVP, had a different experience this season. In 2014, Murray carried the ball 393 times for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, while adding 57 receptions on 64 targets for 416 yards. To follow that league-leading season, in 2015, Murray carried the ball 193 times for 702 yards and six touchdowns, adding 41 receptions on 53 targets for 232 yards.
The decreased production can be blamed on the running back by committee philosophy used by ex-Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.
The move to Tennessee does not mean Murray will return to his elite 2014 status. But it does clear up both backfields significantly, making fantasy decisions a little more clear for the 2016 season. Murray will return to his workhorse-type role in Tennessee, while Mathews and Sproles will likely split duties in Philadelphia.
The health of Mathews has been a concern throughout his career, so the workload between him and Sproles should lean towards a 50/50 split.
One thing this trade clears up for certain is that the Titans will not be taking a running back early on in the draft. Though it’s possible that Alabama’s Derrick Henry could be there when they pick first in the second round, it’s more likely they stay with what they have behind Murray.
This trade clears up two of the most cluttered backfields of 2015 and allows fantasy fans to breathe a little easier when it comes time for fantasy football drafts.
