Rob Ninkovich believes Jameis Winston is capable of leading the Saints to a successful year if he reduces the turnovers. (1:11).
Can Jameis Winston reduce turnovers as Saints' starting quarterback? (1:11).
The New Orleans Saints announced Tuesday that Latavius Murray, a veteran running back, was being released.
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Murray refused to accept a pay cut from the Saints Monday.
Murray, 31 years old, was expected to earn $3.15 million this season in salary and bonuses. This, along with Tony Jones Jr.'s undrafted second-year runningback, led to the Saints' decision.
After signing a $14.4 million four-year contract in 2019, Murray was a great running partner for Saints star Alvin Kamara. Over those two seasons, Murray had 1,293 rushing yards and 411 receiving yards. He also scored 11 touchdowns.
Murray was particularly valuable in Kamara's absences from two games due to injuries in 2019. He gained at least 150 yards from the scrimmage and scored two touchdowns each game as an every down back.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder made his debut with the Raiders in 2012 and the Vikings in 2015. He was a Pro Bowler in 2015. In his seven-year career, he has rushed for 4,991 yards, 1,294 receiving yard and 45 touchdowns.
Murray survived the Saints' salary cuts in the offseason. The team had to reduce more than $110million to make the team fit within the NFL's lower salary cap. As training camp and preseason progressed, Murray seemed to be falling behind Jones in the pecking orders. Although he wasn't on the 53-man roster, the Saints signed Devonta Freeman, a veteran running back, during camp.
Jones (5-11, 225), was an undrafted rookie from Notre Dame who appeared in one Saints game last season. He had three carries for 13 yard. He led the team with 106 rushing yardage and a TD in preseason games. Plus, he had six catches for 42-yards.
With veterans Ty Montgomery and Dwayne Washington (who primarily plays special team), the Saints have other options in their backfield.
In a similar move Tuesday, New Orleans officially announced Desmond Trufant's signing as a veteran cornerback.
