Report: Vikings to Ask RB Latavius Murray to Take Pay Cut, McKinnon Learns Value

Image courtesy of Vikings.com

The Minnesota Vikings appear to be willing to move on from Latavius Murray if he doesn’t restructure his contract.

According to Shawn Zobel of 1500ESPN the Vikings are expected to ask the running back to take a pay cut. The report goes on to say the team will release Murray if he refuses.

https://twitter.com/ShawnZobel/status/973352975451279363

Murray’s average salary per season ($5 million) is currently the eighth-most in the NFL among running backs. With Dalvin Cook expected to return from injury, the Vikings will look to cut down on the $8.35 million they are currently spending on running backs — sixth-most in the league according to OverTheCap.com.

The 28 year-old started 11 games this season, rushing for 842 yards with eight touchdowns. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry during the regular season but only averaged 2.9 YPC in the playoffs.

Murray was acquired by the Vikings as a free agent last offseason. He signed a three-year, $15 million deal on March 15, 2017. His 2018 base salary of $5.15 million is scheduled to guarantee this Friday, March 16th. The Vikings would take on $1.2 million of dead money if Murray is cut.

McKinnon

Zobel reported earlier that running back Jerick McKinnon has been fielding offers in the $6-7 million range already in free agency. The Vikings, who could have made a run at McKinnon with the money they would save by cutting Murray, will likely be out of the running for ‘Jet’ at that high of price.

https://twitter.com/ShawnZobel/status/973351913650614272

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