Alexander Shun | @alexpshun
Digital Content Manager | KFAN.com
The Minnesota Vikings announced late Wednesday night that they have officially signed free agent running back Latavius Murray.
Murray previously visited with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars but, after visiting with Minnesota, decided to continue his career with the Vikings.
Details of the contract were not immediately released.
“It was an experience,” Murray said of free agency in an interview with the Vikings’ website. ” Obviously it being my first time, I didn’t really know what to expect but just glad I get the chance to play the game again with a great team with great history here in Minnesota.”
The great history that Murray speaks of involves assumed future Hall of Famer and now former Vikings back Adrian Peterson who has likely seen his time with the team come to a close with the signing of Murray.
Oakland now has a void at the running back position while Minnesota has seemingly filled theirs and replaced the great Peterson in the process.
Murray finished last season with 195 carries for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns to go with 33 catches for 264 yards. The fourth-year pro also brings excellent pass protection skills and improved pass-catching abilities, things that Peterson struggled with throughout his career in Minnesota.
The now former Oakland Raider is due to speak with the media tomorrow at 2pm.
The official release from the Vikings is below.
Eden Prairie, MN (March 16, 2017) – The Minnesota Vikings announce the following roster move:
SIGNED
Player POS. EXP. COLLEGE
Latavius Murray.............. RB............... 5................... Central Florida
Murray joins the Minnesota Vikings after spending the first four years of his career with the Oakland Raiders. Murray, who was a sixth-round selection (181st overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft, has led the Raiders in rushing the last two seasons. The former Central Florida Knight has rushed for 2,278 yards and 20 touchdowns on 543 carries (4.2 average) in 45 career games (31 starts). Murray was named to his lone Pro Bowl appearance following the 2015 season when he rushed for 1,066 yards and six touchdowns on 266 attempts (4.0 average) and caught a career-high 41 passes for 232 yards. The Nedrow, New York, native totaled 788 rushing yards and a career-best 12 rushing touchdowns along with 33 receptions for a career-high 264 receiving yards in 2016.