Oakland Raiders expected to ditch Pro Bowl RB Latavius Murray

Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Despite scoring a career-high 12 touchdowns last season, Latavius Murray could wear a different uniform in 2016.

The Oakland Raiders running back is an unrestricted free agent on the heels of a season where he ran for 788 rushing yards in a crowded backfield. He has averaged four yards per carry in each of his previous two campaigns. In 2015, Murray ran for 1,066 yards on 266 carries to earn a Pro Bowl nod.

Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle doesn't "expect" Murray back in the silver and black. The Raiders have never fully committed to the 27-year-old, often using him in a committee and sniffing the free agency pool for a better option.

Murray told Sirius XM NFL Radio last month that he wants to return to the Raiders.

"[I] wanna stay and finish what I started, looking forward to winning a championship with these guys," Murray told the radio network.

Murray rushed for more than 100 yards in just two games last season. He scored eight of his 12 touchdowns between Week 7 and Week 13.

The Raiders' have depth at the running back position. DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard are both set to return to the team in 2017, after signing contracts in May. Richard signed a three-year deal, while Washington inked a four-year pact. Taiwan Jones and Jamize Olawale are also rostered.

In lieu of Murray's departure, the Raiders could look at free agents LeGarrette Blount and Eddie Lacy as top available options. It could also use a draft selection and develop a top-prospect along with its young core and dangerous passing game.

"When all three backs were rocking and rolling, you'd be hard pressed to find a more dynamic trio on the ground in the NFL, so be sure to keep an eye on what happens with Murray, particularly as we inch closer to March," Eddie Paskal wrote for Raiders.com.

Murray's rookie deal was for four years and $2.2 million. The Raiders were set to win the AFC West last season before a devastating injury to Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr. Oakland began the new year by facing the Denver Broncos on New Year's Day without Carr, losing its grasp on the AFC West division crown and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

The Raiders are expected to have $40 million to $50 million in salary cap space, but could use some of that to lock up Carr and stud linebacker Khalil Mack at some point.