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OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Baltimore Ravens have struck a year-long deal with running back Latavius Murray as they scramble quickly to mend an injury-ravaged backfield ahead of the start of the regular season, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday.
The deal is worth up to $ 2 million, the source told Schefter.
Murray, 31, becomes the Ravens’ fourth running back this week, joining Trenton Cannon, Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman. Bell and Freeman are on the practice squad.
Murray, who was set to receive $ 3.15 million in salary and bonuses this season, was brutally cut by the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday after refusing to take a pay cut.
Murray’s addition comes a day after Baltimore lost Gus Edwards, who tore his ACL on Thursday. Edwards is the third Ravens running back to sustain a season-ending injury in 12 days.
Murray is the most accomplished running back in the Ravens’ active roster and has the potential to become the star running back once he gets to grips with the system.
For now, Ty’Son Williams, the only healthy running back to make Baltimore’s roster before Wednesday, is set to make his first career start in the Las Vegas Raiders’ opener on Monday Night Football. . Williams, who was not drafted from BYU last year, spent last season on the Ravens’ practice squad and does not have an NFL portage.
The Ravens have led the NFL to rush over the past two seasons and are confident in their plan, especially with two-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson drawing so much attention. Over the past two years, every Ravens running back with at least 100 carries has averaged over 5 yards per carry: Edwards, Dobbins and Mark Ingram.
Murray’s physical running style between tackles reflects Edwards and is considered an ideal fit in the Ravens’ smash-mouth system. A valuable save from Alvin Kamara in New Orleans, Murray ran for 656 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry in 2020. He recorded 4,991 rushing yards, 1,294 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns. during his seven-year career.
Injuries have devastated the Baltimore backfield for the past two weeks. Running back JK Dobbins tore his ACL in his left knee during the preseason final in Washington on August 28. , just after cornerback Marcus Peters suffered a season-ending knee injury in training.
Cannon, who was signed in the 53-man roster on Wednesday, is expected to provide depth for the running back and have an immediate impact on special teams. The Ravens are expected to promote Freeman or Bell from the practice squad just before Monday’s game.
With Jackson, Baltimore averaged a record 198.9 yards per game in the NFL over the previous two seasons. But the only current Ravens running back who had a reach for them last season was fullback Patrick Ricard, who had less than 1 rushing yard.
The Ravens have shown their adaptability over the years in the ground game. In each of the past three seasons, Baltimore has had a different running back as a running back: Edwards (718 yards in 2018), Ingram (1,018 in ’19) and Dobbins (805 in ’20).
The loss of Peters, a Pro Bowl cornerback, is the most important injury for the Baltimore defense this year. In total, the Ravens have had five players who suffered season-ending injuries in 19 days.
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