Fansided

Latavius Murray: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By Brad Weiss

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs for yardage against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs for yardage against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 18, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Green Bay Packers

NFC, North

What an incredible year it was for the Green Bay Packers. After starting the season off with a 4-6 record, star quarterback Aaron Rodgers let the world know they would run the table and make the playoffs, and they did just that. Rodgers and company clinched the NFC North on the final day of the regular season, beating the Detroit Lions in Week 17 to lock up the title.

In the playoffs, the Packers continued their magical season, beating the New York Giants in the wild card round before shocking the world by beating the No. 1 seed Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round. Although the Atlanta Falcons were able to end their run in the NFC Championship Game, the Packers showed that they are definitely a team to beat heading into next season. While Rodgers led an elite passing game, the running game was awful in 2016, with the team basically abandoning it after the 4-6 start.

Eddie Lacy is no longer the answer at the running back position, and he will actually head to free agency this offseason. Lacy has failed to show any kind of consistency since being a Pro Bowler in 2013, and his 2016 season ended early due to an ankle injury that saw him land on injured reserve in October. Adding a quality running back is going to be key for the Packers heading into next season, and Murray would be someone who could come right in and shoulder the load for the Pack.

Rodgers proved once again that he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but how much longer can he continue to produce without a running back. There is no doubt that the Packers have the weapons to make another run in 2017, but they are going to have to supplement the passing game if they hope to take the next step. Murray would be the best running back the team has had since Lacy rushed his way to a Pro Bowl in 2013, and Rodgers would like nothing more than to be able to trust the back standing behind him in the backfield.