ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders are scheduled to have 13 unrestricted free agents this offseason, after the team broke through with a 12-4 season and its first playoff appearance since 2002.

On offense: offensive lineman Menelik Watson, tight end Mychal Rivera, receiver Andre Holmes, quarterback Matt McGloin and running back Latavius Murray.

On defense: defensive back DJ Hayden, defensive tackle Stacy McGee, linebackers Malcolm Smith, Perry Riley Jr. and Daren Bates, and safeties Nate Allen and Brynden Trawick.

And on special teams: long snapper Jon Condo.

RB Latavius Murray

Age: 27

2016 base salary: $675,000

Why he should stay: Murray, a sixth-round pick in 2013, was the epitome of a workhorse for the Raiders in 2016, leading the team in rushing with 788 yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 games. His three touchdowns against Denver in Week 9 tied a franchise record. Though his touches might have gone down -- from 266 carries to 195 and 41 receptions to 33 -- with the arrival of Mighty Mite rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard and his missing two games with turf toe, Murray’s production was up as evidenced by his 12 rushing scores, tied for the third-most in a single season in franchise history. When Murray was out for two games, the duo of Washington and Richard, both 5-foot-9, were not nearly as effective as the primary backs. Murray is part of the Raiders core and continuity is a huge deal for a team that appears ready to take that next step as a contender. As quarterback Derek Carr said, "We all know that we want him back. We love him. He’s one of my best friends in this whole world. Not just because he can run the ball, but because he can pick up blitzes."

Why he should go: Murray’s yard-per-rush average of 4.0 was the exact same as the previous season, even behind an offensive line that boasted three Pro Bowlers, and he only topped 100 yards rushing in a game twice this past season. In the Raiders' last four regular-season games, Murray’s rushing total went from 103 yards to 81 to 40 to 11. He rushed for 39 yards in the playoff loss at Houston. The Raiders have a new offensive coordinator in the promoted Todd Downing, so he might want to venture out on his own with a short passing game, utilizing the more elusive backs -- Washington and Richard. Murray was only ranked as the No. 34 best free agent available by ESPN NFL Insider John Clayton.

The quote: "I don’t think I ever want to be a guy that bounces around or anything like that. I would love to finish my career here. I think it says a lot for any player who stays in one place. I would love to finish what I started, but I know how things could go."

The thought: Shy of Oakland signing Le'Veon Bell, the Raiders should re-sign Murray and continue to grow the offense.