Vikings' Jerick McKinnon: Joined by Murray in backfield

McKinnon will be joined by free-agent signing Latavius Murray in the Minnesota backfield, 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reports.

Analysis:

After managing just 3.4 yards per carry in Adrian Peterson's absence last season, McKinnon had to know the team would bring in serious competition even if it chose not to keep Peterson around. Murray isn't the most talented runner, but he does offer versatility and has a better track record than McKinnon. The Vikings could still further upgrade their backfield through the upcoming draft, potentially giving McKinnon competition from multiple sources as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Murray is the clear favorite to handle the lead back job.