3 ways to get Latavius Murray off your hands via trade
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It's time to call Latavius Murray a bust. Through seven weeks, Murray has just 40 carries for 172 yards. He saved his first three weeks with touchdowns, but it's obvious now that Oakland's backfield is a fantasy wasteland.
Murray owners spent a mid-round draft pick that could have instead been used on DeMarco Murray, Melvin Gordon or one of many functional receivers, so it's safe to say that buyer's remorse has set in big-time.
The biggest contributor to Murray's cratering value has been the running back committee Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio has employed. Despite Murray's experience and 1,000-yard showing last year, Murray's role has been minimized at the hands of rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard. Worst of all, this three-headed monster seems to be a permanent fixture.
To add injury to insult, Murray's been sidelined the past two weeks due to a turf toe problem that he is only just overcoming. Though Murray's exepcted to play in Week 7, he'll be returning to a committee that has gotten by without him for the past two weeks.
At this point, Murray's value is in decline and there are few signs of an upswing. At the same time, you should still be able to squeeze some value out of his name, his 2015 season, and his early season touchdowns. You'll have to sell low on him, but trade him now before he's widely unwanted.
Here are three trades that could get your depreciating asset off your team:
Latavius Murray + a WR2 for a WR1
Think Murray and Marvin Jones for T.Y Hilton, Alshon Jeffery or Dez Bryant. With Murray's value in the tank, you're going to have to give up a legitimate asset like a Jones or a Jarvis Landry to work your way into a WR1 like the names above. At this point, you're not starting Murray so a 2-for-1 swap won't significantly affect you. Target a buy-low candidate if you're trying to budget.
Latavius Murray for Tavon Austin
Murray offers little to no upside in a three-way committee; you might as well look for a Hail Mary option. Think of targeting a FLEX-like player that has big play potential. Austin stands as a decent option after a nine-score campaign last season. Though he has found pay dirt just once this year, he has still seen eight touches inside the 20, meaning progression could be in the cards.
Latavius Murray for a fill-in RB
Week 7 has been a graveyard for running backs. Eddie Lacy, Doug Martin, LeSean McCoy, and Carlos Hyde are all unlikely to suit up. With Murray stuck in neutral, target a backup that could see extended run like Mike Gillislee or Jacquizz Rodgers. These options may only be usable in the short term, but they're at least usable - unlike Murray.