The Buffalo Bills did not select a rookie running back during the 2023 NFL Draft. As a result, they signed veteran running back Latavius Murray to a one-year contract.
The team made the announcement on Monday. Murray had visited the team in mid-April, but the Bills waited until after the draft to make it official.
Murray, who is 33 years old, played for the Broncos and Saints in 2022. After being signed from the New Orleans practice squad, he became Denver’s lead back following the Melvin Gordon fallout.
In total, Murray rushed for 703 yards and five touchdowns on 160 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt.
The former sixth-round pick by the Raiders has accumulated 6,252 yards and 55 touchdowns in his nine NFL seasons. Murray missed his rookie year due to injury.
Buffalo’s Running Back Situation
Murray joins a backfield led by James Cook and free-agent acquisition Damien Harris. Additionally, the Bills brought back Nyheim Hines on a reworked contract.
The Buffalo Bills have made an interesting move by signing veteran running back Latavius Murray to their team. Murray, who has played for multiple teams during his nine-year NFL career, has shown himself to be a reliable and productive player, rushing for over 6,000 yards and 55 touchdowns.
With the Bills not selecting a rookie running back in the 2023 NFL Draft, the signing of Murray adds depth and experience to their backfield. Buffalo’s running game struggled at times last season, with their leading rusher, Devin Singletary, only recording 687 yards.
The addition of Murray, along with Cook, Harris, and Hines, provides the Bills with a more dynamic running game, which should take some of the pressure off of quarterback Josh Allen.
It will be interesting to see how Murray fits into Buffalo’s offense and how much playing time he receives. While he may not be the lead back, he should provide valuable experience and leadership to the Bills’ young running back corps.
The signing of Murray should be a positive move for the Bills as they look to improve upon last season’s performance and make a deep playoff run.