5 potential destinations for Todd Gurley
In a surprise move, two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl running back Todd Gurley was released by the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday.
The 25-year-old is just two years removed from being named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year and one season removed from helping lead the Rams to the Super Bowl.
So, despite his well-documented knee troubles, there should be a market for the touchdown machine in free agency. Here are five potential landing spots for Gurley.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Assuming their reported signing of legendary quarterback Tom Brady goes down without a hitch, the Buccaneers are an obvious candidate to pursue Gurley.
Brady has said he'd like to continue playing until he's 45, which gives Tampa Bay two seasons to try and reach the Super Bowl.
Despite featuring the No. 1 passing offense in the NFL last year, the Bucs had just the 24th-ranked rushing attack, which averaged less than 100 yards per outing. Starter Peyton Barber is currently testing free agency and 2018 second-round pick Ronald Jones has only shown flashes in his first two seasons.
Gurley is a proven commodity. And with the Bucs expected to lean heavily on pass-catchers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and O.J. Howard in 2020, Gurley wouldn't have to carry the same load he did during his time with the Rams.
Additionally, Jones has been benched on multiple occasions for missing assignments in pass protection. Gurley is a quality pass-protector, which will be needed on a Buccaneers team with a porous offensive line.
Buffalo Bills
Another franchise that's going for it in 2020 is the one situated in Western New York.
After finishing 10-6, earning a wild-card spot, and almost punching a ticket to the divisional round, the Bills have been busy this offseason, adding the likes of Vernon Butler, Quinton Jefferson, and Mario Addison in free agency while trading for star wideout Stefon Diggs.
At running back, Buffalo allowed veteran Frank Gore to hit the free-agent market and is currently left with Devin Singletary, who was brought along slowly during his rookie season. If the Bills are hoping to take advantage of an AFC landscape that no longer includes Brady, Gurley represents an immediate, obvious upgrade at running back.
Buffalo has a solid O-line, and the offense would undoubtedly benefit from taking some of the workload away from still-developing quarterback Josh Allen.
Atlanta Falcons
Signing with Atlanta would be a homecoming of sorts for Gurley, who played at the University of Georgia, where he scored 42 touchdowns in three seasons.
The Falcons also have a hole at running back after releasing Devonta Freeman on Monday.
However, the franchise appears to be retooling, as veterans Vic Beasley and Desmond Trufant were both cut ahead of free agency. After shedding salary, the Falcons may not be interested in signing Gurley to an expensive contract when they can address his position through the draft.
But if Gurley values signing somewhere he's celebrated, perhaps he'll take less money to join Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in Atlanta.
Miami Dolphins
Miami and Atlanta are among Gurley's desired landing spots, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson, and those two teams showed the most interest in trading for Gurley before his release, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Dolphins inked fellow rusher Jordan Howard to a two-year, $10-million contract on Tuesday, but at that point, the list of available running backs was topped by Melvin Gordon.
Miami entered free agency flush with cap space, so the club is still in a position to pair Howard with Gurley in a formidable committee - one that's likely necessary given that both players come with their share of injury concerns.
Plus, Miami is expected to target a running back in the draft even after signing Howard. Inking Gurley while he's more affordable and using the draft capital on another position is also an enticing option.
Kansas City Chiefs
What would make the defending Super Bowl champions even more deadly? Signing Gurley.
Fresh off winning the Lombardi Trophy, the Chiefs don't have many areas of need, but their running back depth chart could stand to improve.
Sure, Damien Williams submitted an MVP-type performance in the Super Bowl with 133 yards and two touchdowns, but Gurley would bring a new dynamic to an already explosive offense.
The Chiefs are entering 2020 with targets on their backs, and they should look for ways to upgrade their roster before embarking on their title defense.