Should Giants Sign Murray To Bolster Backfield?

The New York Giants were forced to remodel their running back room after the departure of iconic back Saquon Barkley. The renovations reached both free agency and the draft, adding veteran Devin Singletary and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr.

While playing time for Tracy against incumbent backup Eric Gray is yet to be decided, the roles in this backfield are coming together. Singletary will be the workhorse, eating early-down and red-zone work. On passing downs, expect to see Tracy, the former receiver, attempt to create explosive plays. Gray will reside somewhere between or behind them.

Is that a fully furnished running back room?

According to Bleacher Report’s list of bargain free agents, it isn’t.

Singletary lacks both explosiveness and elite power, instead mastering fundamentals to optimize yardage. He won’t be breaking off big plays with regularity, a justifiable sacrifice for the consistency he offers. But neither Tracy or Gray profile as backs that pack a punch.

Perhaps Latavius Murray could be that answer. As the complement to Buffalo Bills speedster James Cook last year, Murray logged 300 yards and four scores – respectable, especially for the oldest active running back (34) in the NFL.

“Latavius Murray has shown that he can do exactly that over the last few seasons,” Kristopher Knox wrote. “Murray was a role player in Buffalo last season but still provided 419 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. He was signed off the New Orleans Saints practice squad in October of the previous year and gave the Denver Broncos 827 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in 12 games.

“Murray may be 34 years old, but he's still going strong and should be able to help the Giants on short notice. He played on a one-year, $1.3 million deal last season and should be available at a similar price point now.”

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While the Giants aren’t likely to make a move, having already committed decent capital to the position and somewhat squeezed for roster spots, Murray does make a fair amount of sense.

Given the age, other options like Joshua Kelley may have a better shot at capturing their attention. Still, in the event of a Singletary injury, leaving New York without a powerful back, a midseason call to the elder statesman of the position wouldn’t be surprising.