OILERMAN Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Looking ahead to 2017 I'm wondering what the Titans are going to do at the RB position. Mularkey likes a lead back who carries the load like Murray has done this season. I believe Henry has the skill set to be that guy in 2017. He needs work in the passing game like all rookie RBs but by all accounts he should be able to learn that. The Titans run a lot of heavy set play action and it's important for the RB to handle the pas pro in these sets, they do deep drops and go downfield. What about Murray? He'll be 29 in Feb and he's an old 29, especially for a RB. The way I read his contract he's guaranteed 3 mill and in March his base of 3.25 will also become guaranteed. They'll have to decide whether to keep him at 6 mill plus in March. I don't believe there is much chance Murray can handle another season carrying the load, he's not even making it through this season. Assuming they make Henry the lead RB is Murray worth enough as the 3rd down RB and back-up at 6+ mill? He's getting half of that regardless. If I had to decide right now I probably keep Murray. Assuming he gets a small workload and spells Henry and just plays 3rd down he might have a longer career and be more effective over a full season. The key is probably upgrading Andrews with a guy who can possibly be more of a quality RB and not just a STer. That would provide more insurance in case the wheels completely come off Murray. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschool Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Good post. I actually thought Henry would take over the lead role this season but Murray held him off. I definitely expect it to flip next year though. the Titans have plenty of cap space to carry Murray at 6M for 2017 so look for that to happen as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carpy Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 I think they definitely keep Murray as insurance. I don't see him as a traditional 3rd down RB but more of a 1B to Henry. And if Henry gets injured we have a serviceable starter who can carry the load. I do think they will still consider a true 3rd down RB with good speed to add to the group. The coaching staff seemed keen to keep McCluster around until it became clear he had nothing left. That type of RB could still have a role in this offense. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Murray's cap number wouldn't be an issue, it would more depend on his personality and if he would accept not being the lead back. As they try to continue to build the team culture, they can't afford to have any malcontents in the locker room. No idea whether he would or wouldn't be, just that would likely determine whether he stays or is cut loose more than salary. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle021 Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Murray will stay as the 3rd down back i expect Henry to get the majority of carries after bye Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
heyitsmeallen Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 They will def keep Murray after the year he's had. I def expect the roles to switch next season though, maybe not switch fully. I think they will split carries evenly and give Henry the keys in 2018 and draft a backup. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
efus50 Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 What do the Titans do if Nick Chubb ( or someone they have a high grade on) is available in the 4th. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishTitansFan Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 I'll guess that Muraay will be here next year, will be "starter" by name, but Henry will get most of the carries. A Darren Sproles type 3rd down back, with receiving and return ability would round out the group really nicely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nine Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 One thing about the RB position....when they hit a wall, they usually hit it hard and fast. Adrian Peterson led the NFL in rushing in 2015; in 2016, he was averaging 1.6 yards per carry before getting hurt. We've seen tons of teams that held onto a veteran RB for a year or two past the expiration date; there are far fewer examples of teams cutting a veteran RB loose with 2-3 good years left in the tank. As great as Murray has been this year, his effectiveness has clearly declined in recent weeks. Fortunately, his versatility still makes him valuable, particularly in the passing game.....but is it enough to justify a $6M+ salary for a guy who is unlikely to be the team's primary RB? (Though as O-man points out, half of that money is already guaranteed....so it's really a question of paying him $6M as the #2 RB, or paying him $3M to go somewhere else.) It's a tough call....especially when the 2017 draft class appears to have a ton of talent and depth at RB. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIKE75 Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 I think next season they go to Henry more as the lead back and keep Murray fresh for third down situations. Make no mistake Murray is near 30 and after next season there might not be much tread left. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannynj Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Obviously Murray and Henry are your lead backs. Fowler stays on. Doubtful Antonio Andrews is still on the team. Guessing they draft or sign a back that has potential as a returner as well as a back up and change of pace they can keep active on game days Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bongo59 Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Pencil me in for trading Murray at the draft and getting Fournette. He is the best RB prospect since AP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bongo59 Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Not a position of need but you dont pass on a HOF back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamRamrod Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 I really think this toe injury is affecting him more than it looks. I think he'll look like he did earlier in the season post bye and if not then, next season. We shall see. I could be wrong. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
japan Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 I think Murray is guaraneteed to be back next season and they will go with whomever is the better complete back. I'm not convinced that Murray's falloff in recent weeks is because of mileage completely. I think that toe is more of the problem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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