Broncos HC Sean Payton Makes Curt Comment on Latavius Murray

Do the Denver Broncos plan to let Latavius Murray continue to languish on the market?

With Javonte Williams' future in doubt, the Denver Broncos have made two offseason moves to bolster the running back stable. Denver signed free agents Samaje Perine and Tony Jones Jr, giving the offense one very versatile, capable back and another experienced contributor. 

However, the running back room could probably use one more addition. While it's likely that Denver will add some talent to the room in the draft or college free-agent ranks, there's one qualified veteran who could step in and help right away. 

Latavius Murray — Denver's leading rushing from last season. He's still a free agent. 

Broncos head coach Sean Payton has a relationship with Murray from the pair's time together in New Orleans. Murray rejoining the Broncos, when the offseason first began, seemed like a no-brainer, and yet, he still languishes on the open market. 

At the Annual League Meeting in Arizona on Monday, Payton was asked point blank if Denver will re-sign Murray. His answer was cryptic. 

"We'll see," Payton said.

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Many of Denver's 2023 moves have been made with a focus on bolstering the trenches in order to establish a dominant rushing attack. Despite his reputation for being an aerial tactician, Payton has prioritized getting the ground game going. 

“I’m in favor of it," Payton said coyly when asked about the importance of the running game. 

While Payton was tight-lipped about Murray, when he was asked about Perine, the Broncos' head coach gushed. 

“I see position flex," Payton said of Perine's skill set. "If you really watch Perine and study the tape, you see him on early downs, and you see him playing third down. He’s a really good receiver. Obviously, he could block the blitz. He’s big, he’s physical, he’s smart, he’s tough. He’s built to last. That was an important piece for us knowing the injury that we’re dealing with. He was really important.”

Time will tell whether the Broncos ultimately bring Murray back, but at 33 years old, he's likely moved into the realm of the last-minute, veteran-minimum type backs who populate the NFL fringes. While he seemed to showcase an upside beyond that for Denver last year, the Broncos recognize that while he's available right now, he'll likely also be around a month or two from now after the dust from the offseason settles. 

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