The Tennessee Titans were looking to bolster their backfield this offseason, as they finished 25th in the league in rushing, averaging just under 93 rushing yards per game last season. While Tennessee was looking to acquire a running back through free agency or through the upcoming draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have been looking to clear cap space and bodies. The two teams have reportedly come to an agreement that will send running back DeMarco Murray to Tennessee.
Murray struggled in his first season in Philadelphia, as the downhill runner did not adapt well to former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly's offensive system. Murray went from the NFL's leading rusher in Dallas in 2014 to a 702-yard season in Philadelphia, during which he posted his worst yard per carry average of his career.
The trade is expected to be finalized on Wednesday when the new league year begins, and Murray's agent confirmed the move on Twitter. The former third round draft pick can be a force in the right system and with a solid offensive line, and Murray had sought out the Titans as he thought he would make a good fit in Tennessee's backfield. Philadelphia is reportedly expected to be compensated with a draft pick, but the specifics of the trade are unknown at this time.
The Titans struggled last season tying for the worst record in the league, but are building a strong foundation. Theyhave already landed their franchise quarterback in Marcus Mariota and Titans general manager Jon Robinson has been adamant about protecting his quarterback. And while many believe he is hinting at drafting Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremry Tunsil, he could also be talking about establishing a strong ground game to protect the franchise's young quarterback.
The Titans will likely look to the offensive line in the upcoming draft and whether that will be with the top overall pick is unknown, but Tennessee is clearly making a push this offseason to become contenders again in the AFC South. It will be interesting to see how Murray fits in the Titans offensive system, but it wouldn't be surprising if the 28-year-old running back found his form with a new team in 2016.
While the Titans are adding players to their roster, the Eagles are clearly moving on from the Chip Kelly era. The Eagles aren't just parting ways with Murray, as Philadelphia is also expected to trade linebacker Kiko Alonso and cornerback Byron Maxwell to the Miami Dolphins, though there has been no confirmation of that deal as of yet either.
The preliminary moves made Monday are opening options in Philadelphia, but also stripping them of some of their most talented players. The Eagles are looking to build fresh with new head coach Doug Pederson in place, and it will be interesting to see what moves they make both in free agency and in the draft, as they could be loaded with draft picks after making multiple trades.
