The Tennessee Titans have reportedly released veteran running back DeMarco Murray, paving the way for 23-year old Derrick Henry to take over as the lead back in the Titans' offense. According to ESPN's Field Yates, the decision to release Murray will also clear $6.5M off of the Titans' salary cap.
Murray, 30, has played in Tennessee for the last two years, including a Pro Bowl season in 2016 when he led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,287. He was the Titans' starter in the 2017 season as well but he split carries Henry, who quickly established himself as the type of player who is deserving of more touches. In 2017, Murray rushed for 659 yards and six touchdowns on 184 carries while Henry compiled 744 rushing yards and five touchdowns on just 176 carries in his second NFL season.
According to ESPN, Murray "laughed at the notion that his time as an NFL starter was over. In mid-January he said,
"I feel very confident in myself. Excited for the future. Excited for my future. I know what type of player I am," Murray said, per ESPN.
Murray has been rehabbing a torn MCL he suffered in Week 16, so it'll be interesting to see where he lands in free agency.