Sun-sentinel.com’s Chris Perkins is reporting the Miami Dolphins will host DeMarco Murray in an attempt to strengthen their running game.
Murray was released by the Tennessee Titans after two seasons with the AFC South team. Murray was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round in 2011. The 30-year-old was injured the majority of the 2017 season, which led to the team making the decision to focus on Derrick Henry as the Titans’ lead back.
Murray, the 30-year-old three-time Pro Bowl selection and seventh-year pro, rushed for 1,287 yards for the Titans in 2016, but fell to 659 yards last year. If he is signed, Murray would compete with Kenyon Drake for the starting spot in the Miami Dolphins backfield.
“It’s important to note Murray still had 39 receptions for 266 yards and one touchdown last year,” writes Perkins. “In 2016, he had 53 receptions for 377 yards and one touchdown, the third time Murray recorded 50 or more receptions in a season.”
His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield would be a huge benefit for the Dolphins, who should have Ryan Tannehill back under center this season.
“Drake has proven himself as a multi-talented running back who can carry the ball and catch the ball. And running back Damien Williams, who could depart via free agency, also fits that bill,” Perkins added.
Murray, released by Tennessee, which acquired former New England running back Dion Lewis, visited with Seattle and Detroit before the Lions signed LeGarrette Blount.
The Dolphins traded starter Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles in the middle of the 2017 season for a fourth-round pick. Ajayi was part of the Eagles rushing attack that helped the team beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52.
Murray led the NFL in rushing and rushing touchdowns in 2014. He played for the Eagles in 2014 before signing with Tennessee in 2015.