Saints release RB Latavius Murray

The Saints have cut ties with running back Latavius Murray.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported Tuesday that the team asked the veteran running back to take a pay cut and released him after he refused.

Saints are releasing RB Latavius Murray, per source. They asked for a pay reduction yesterday and he refused. Murray is coming off his best season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 7.7 yards per catch.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2021

The release of Latavius Murray saves New Orleans about $2.3M in 2021 salary cap space. Not a major surprise by the perpetually cap-strapped Saints, who liked what they saw this summer from (much cheaper) second-year RB Tony Jones.

— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) September 7, 2021

The Saints later confirmed the move, using the roster opening to sign cornerback Desmond Trufant.

The New Orleans Saints announced that they have signed defensive back Desmond Trufant and terminated the contract of running back Latavius Murray. The announcements were made by Saints’ Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis.

Murray spent the past two seasons with New Orleans as the primary backup to Alvin Kamara. The nine-year veteran rushed for 1,293 yards on 292 carries with nine touchdowns while adding 57 receptions for 411 receiving yards and two touchdowns with the Saints.

With the move, Tony Jones, Jr. is now the number two running back. The former Notre Dame standout had a strong showing in training camp in the preseason.