Eric

Murray

Murray left the game with a knee injury early in the second quarter, was examined in the medical tent, and then was taken into the locker room. There’s no word on the specific injury or the severity of it, but the Texans calling him questionable doesn’t inspire confidence that we’ll see him back on Sunday. That could lead to more opportunities downfield for Derek Carr, Chris Olave, and the Saints passing game.

This marks the second-straight year in which Murray has restructured his deal with the Texans. Set to earn $3.75 million in base salary, the Texans are likely converting a portion of this into a bonus to free up a few million dollars in cap space. Murray is heading into his fourth season with the Texans and has appeared in 47 games for them since 2020.

Signed for $5 million in 2022, Murray now has a two-year, $10 million deal. The starter of 25 games in Houston over the past two years, Murray has experience at corner but will continue to man safety under new head coach/former DC Lovie Smith. More versatile than good, Murray is not a particular asset in any one area.

“Lonnie has position flexibility. I think it’s safe to say, we see Lonnie as a safety right now. He feels good about that. He’s got excellent size. He’s got a corner skillset, too. Really feel good about him fitting into our defense,” Smith said at his introductory press conference. The Texans drafted Johnson in 2019 to play corner but moved him to safety full-time last year. He was effective in a semi-regular role, posting 76 tackles despite playing only 64 percent of defensive snaps. With Eric Murray returning for at least another season, Johnson should continue to split playing time opposite Justin Reid.

Murray has played nearly every one of Houston’s defensive snaps this year. He hasn’t dipped below a 90 percent snap rate in a game this year and regularly goes four quarters without coming off the field. The loss of his presence over the top gives a small boost to Tee Higgins, who should get loaded with targets in Week 16. CB Anthony Chesley was elevated to the active roster in place of Murray.

Murray has started 15 games across his four NFL seasons with the Chiefs and Browns. Last year, Murray started just four games because of a knee procedure that cost him all of November. At worst, Bill O’Brien has a special teamer and depth option, but this contract indicates that the Texans’ coach/GM/mad-negotiator is expecting more from Murray.

Murray suffered an injury during Wednesday’s practice and underwent knee surgery Friday. The good news is that the procedure was deemed a success, although Murray is considered week to week and will miss Sunday’s matchup against the Broncos.

With Eric Berry missing most of last season, Murray played 756 defensive snaps, earning marginal marks from Pro Football Focus. The 2016 fourth-rounder is by no means a difference-maker, but Browns GM John Dorsey drafted Murray in Kansas City. With Jabrill Peppers off to the Giants and Derrick Kindred cut on Monday, Murray should have an inside track at heavy snaps on the back end for Cleveland.

He left the game in the first quarter and is questionable to return. It is a blow to a secondary which was already short on safeties. Armani Watts replaced him.

Murray was a solid if not spectacular collegiate who started 39 games for Minnesota and earned third-team All-Big Ten as a senior. He flashed impressive athleticism at the Combine, however, and landed in a great spot to earn early playing time. He will compete for a role behind Marcus Peters, Phillip Gaines (ACL), and Steven Nelson.