Josina Anderson reporting Raiders will let Latavius Murray walk

The Oakland Raiders have a lot of money that needs to be spent over the next few years with guys like Derek Carr, Khalil Mack and Gabe Jackson all needing substantial new contracts. Because of that, the team just won’t be able to keep all of their free agents and this year, Latavius Murray is the most likely victim.

On Sunday morning, Josina Anderson reported what many of us already expected, that the Raiders are indeed planning on moving on from Murray:

I’m told #OAK expects to let RB Latavius Murray go into FA. Source: “The door will remain open for a posb return after he tests his market.”

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 26, 2021

There has been a lot of speculation that this would be the case, including from SF Chronicle beat reporter Vic Tafur who has said on the record multiple times that he does not expect Murray back. But Tafur’s reports did not include a source and did not have the additional information that the Raiders could welcome Murray back if the market proves to be less than he expected. She also added this in a follow-up tweet:

It was reiterated to me that the #Raiders have a big focus on “taking care of (Derek) Carr & (Khalil) Mack.” They know draft deep with RBs.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 26, 2021

The fact that the draft was brought up does not surprise me. In fact, it once again confirms what many already believed would be the case. The Raiders don’t need to spend big on a running back when one can be had cheap through the draft. Especially considering it’s not a huge need so the Raiders can wait until later rounds to make the pick.

It’s not huge news but it’s the first news with a “source” in free agency season to note that Murray is likely departing from the Raiders.