In a move that seemed inevitable with his declining health, the Los Angeles Rams announced Thursday they released running back Todd Gurley. The move comes after Gurley became ineffective as a lead back in the Rams offense during their 2018-19 playoff run and most of the 2019 NFL Regular Season.
We have released Todd Gurley.
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 19, 2020
Todd Gurley No Longer With Los Angeles Rams
In 2017 and 2018, Gurley was widely considered a top-three back with the production to show it. During the 2017 season, he finished with 1,300 yards rushing, and 13 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, Gurley contributed in the passing game as well, hauling in 64 receptions for 688 yards and six receiving touchdowns. The increase in production can be attributed to Sean McVay, who brought his innovative play-calling and willingness to make Gurley a bell cow in 2017.
2018 is considered to be Gurley’s best as a pro. The former Georgia Bulldog star rushed for 1,251 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing, along with 59 receptions for 580 yards and four touchdowns receiving. However, at the end of the season, inflammation in his knee forced Gurley to sit out the final two games of the regular season.
In the playoffs, Gurley did not look the same. After a solid first outing in the wild card game, Gurley was ineffective in the NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints, as well as the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. Those two games alone, Gurley combined for 45 yards on 14 attempts and two total touchdowns.
Nagging Injury
2019 proved to be a struggle for Gurley as well. While his touchdowns remained on-par to previous years, Gurley was not breaking off explosive runs like previous years. He finished with a career-low 857 yards rushing. Just two summers ago signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension with the Rams with $45 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
Prior to Gurley’s release, he was due $10.5 million dollars guaranteed. He now hits free agency, with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins interested in signing him, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
When the Rams shopped RB Todd Gurley in recent weeks, the two teams that showed the most interest were the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
