The Detroit Lions ground game is in dire need of improvement, and GM Bob Quinn is determined to make that happen and get help for Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick.
To that effect, they’ve officially scheduled a free-agent meeting with former Tennessee Titans RB and 3x Pro-Bowler DeMarco Murray, who was released by the Titans and is now free to sign with any other NFL team.
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Former Titans’ RB DeMarco Murray is scheduled to visit Monday with the Detroit Lions, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2018
DeMarco Murray is the only NFL player with 4,000+ rushing yards and 30+ rushing touchdowns since 2014
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 8, 2018
Players with the most 1st Downs
(Since 2013)1) Le’Veon Bell – 412
2) LeSean McCoy – 384
3) Antonio Brown – 377
4) DeMarco Murray – 360
5) Julio Jones – 327— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) March 8, 2018
Murray was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys out of Oklahoma in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He led all rookie players in average per carry, yards per game, and rushing yards. He also led the NFL with 1,845 yards rushing for Dallas in 2014.
Check out what 247Sports had to say about how a potential Murray signing would boost the Lions:
“Detroit’s already got Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick in the mix. Theoretically, they could add Murray, a player in the draft and keep one of Zach Zenner or Tion Green and call in a backfield for 2018. That would be something which would fit the mold of what Bob Quinn hinted he was looking at doing as it related to the ground game, with multiple players capable of toting the rock. With Murray as the veteran, that group could be better equipped with a turnaround along the offensive font to do some better damage next season.
Murray, as a veteran, is a guy who could help bring things together. He could be a stopgap for whatever rookie the team drafts, while not being expected to be a major contributor. Yet Murray is good enough that when he does get touches, he’s someone that could pack a punch and be a difference maker for the ground game. From that standpoint, his addition could be a major victory for the team this offseason.”
Negotiations can officially begin between NFL teams and free agents with expiring contracts at 12 pm on Monday, and then can sign them when the new League year officially begins on Wednesday at 4 pm.
