Giants Prepare for New Running Back Lineup Post-Saquon Barkley Era
With Saquon Barkley’s departure, the New York Giants are set for a revamped running back lineup in 2024. The team made a strategic move by replacing the Pro-Bowl runner with veteran Devin Singletary, but another former Buffalo Bills’ back, Latavius Murray, is also on their radar.
Dan Duggan of The Athletic identifies Murray as a potential addition to bolster the Giants’ running back rotation. Despite being a veteran option, any signing at this position is likely to be for a minimum contract, as Duggan suggests.
Signing a Pro Bowler like Murray, who rushed for 1,066 yards in 2015, on a team-friendly and short-term deal aligns with Giants’ general manager Joe Schoen’s approach. Duggan speculates that adding a veteran to the mix wouldn’t be surprising under Schoen’s leadership.
Opting for Murray would bring a fresh perspective to the experienced backup role, following two seasons with Matt Breida in that position. While Breida could continue to provide leadership on a cheap one-year contract, Murray would offer similar qualities.
Additionally, Murray’s style would inject more power between the tackles, compensating for some of the strength lost with Barkley’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.
Murray’s extensive NFL journey has taken him through various teams, showcasing his toughness, versatility, and determination as a runner. Despite being 34 years old, Murray consistently finds employment in the league due to his valuable skill set.
Pairing Murray with Singletary, a favorite of head coach Brian Daboll, would create a complementary duo in the backfield for the Giants. Together, they could mitigate the absence of Barkley’s dual-threat abilities while alleviating pressure on younger players.
.@LataviusM's first touchdown as a Buffalo Bill!
📺: @CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/bVRqJkyF9T
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 17, 2023
Although last year’s fifth-round pick Eric Gray struggled to make an impact, there are higher hopes for 2024 fifth-rounder Tyrone Tracy Jr. Tracy’s impressive college stats, including averaging 6.5 yards per carry and excelling in kickoff returns, indicate his potential to contribute.
While Murray may not offer the same explosive plays as Barkley, his experience and knack for gaining tough yards inside would complement Singletary and Tracy’s strengths, providing the Giants with an effective running back committee.
