Ravens need to sign Latavius Murray after Gus Edwards injury

The Baltimore Ravens‘ depth at running back has been significantly depleted over the last couple of weeks. On Thursday, it was reported that running back Gus Edwards suffered a season-ending ACL injury which prompted Baltimore to close practice.

The injury is significant since the Ravens have already lost their No. 1 running back J.K. Dobbins and presumed No. 3 running back and special teamer Justice Hill to ACL injuries.

While the alarms seem to be buzzing in the Ravens’ locker room, the team still has options in the open market when it comes to the backfield. One player the Ravens should sign immediately is former Pro Bowl running back Latavius Murray.

The New Orleans Saints released Murray on Tuesday after he reportedly refused to take a pay cut. Murray, 31, was coming off his best season with the Saints. During the 2020 season, backing up Pro Bowl back Alvin Kamara, Murray made his presence felt in the backfield.

In 15 games last season, Murray rushed for 656 yards on 146 attempts finding the end zone four times. He also had 176 receiving yards on 23 receptions and a touchdown.

Why Latavius Murray fits with the Ravens

As it stands, Ty’Son Williams is believed to be the Ravens’ No. 1 running back. News broke shortly after the Edwards injury that Baltimore signed former Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman to the practice squad.

However, the Ravens should still be interested in bringing in Murray — possibly as their No. 2 back.

Before the Saints lost running back Mark Ingram to free agency in 2019, New Orleans picked up Murray from the Minnesota Vikings and signed him to a four-year deal.

Previously, before Murray played in Minnesota, he spent his first three seasons with the Oakland Raiders, making it to a Pro Bowl in just his second season.

Murray was believed to help balance out what the Saints lost in Ingram. With the team already having their No. 1 back in Kamara, Murray was brought in to help ease Kamara’s workload.

In 2019, Murray had 637 rushing yards on 146 carries and five touchdowns. Not bad for someone who is backing up one of the best running backs in football in Kamara.

Murray proved that he could still carry a load in 2020. In Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers, Murray led the team in rushing yards with 58 on 12 carries.

Murray was a huge part of why the Saints’ offense led the league in rushing touchdowns (30). In Week 4 against the Detroit Lions, Murray scored two touchdowns on 64 rushing yards.

That was not the only time Murray had a two-touchdown game. In Week 12 against the Denver Broncos, Murray found the end zone twice while totaling 124 rushing yards.

In Baltimore, they like to run the football. Latavius Murray more than meets the criteria to be in Charm City.

He would be a perfect addition to this depleted running back group, provided the two sides could make the finances work.