Trade winds are blowing around the Los Angeles Rams and Todd Gurley, with the two-time All-Pro reportedly being discussed in deals this week. Gurley still has four years left on his contract and will make more than $14 million per year, leaving the Rams with a difficult decision.
Do they keep him for another year and move on in 2021 when it’s more feasible? Or do they trade him now to recoup draft assets in a year where they have limited resources?
If Gurley is traded, three teams stand out as potential landing spots because of their draft capital, salary cap space and roster needs. The Falcons, Steelers and Chiefs could use running back help, but they’re near the bottom of the NFL in cap space. The Bills, Giants and Browns have the cap space to fit Gurley in, but they don’t need a running back.
Here are the three most logical fits if Gurley is dealt.
Miami Dolphins
With as much money and as many roster holes as the Dolphins have, no one should be ruled out for Miami. They’re in a complete rebuild and while it might seem counterproductive to trade for someone like Gurley, it would give them a player for fans to get excited about. They have $70.75 million in cap space right now and five picks in the first three rounds, so trade ammo isn’t a question.
They also don’t have a good option at running back after trading away Kenyan Drake. Gurley would provide a spark to the fanbase and look good in the backfield behind Tua Tagovailoa, if the Dolphins land the former Alabama QB.
There isn’t a team that makes more sense for Gurley than the Dolphins. They could part ways with their third- and fourth-round picks and still have plenty of assets for their rebuild.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have more than $60 million in cap space, five picks in the first four rounds and could use someone to pair with Ronald Jones. Not to mention, if they’re trying to lure Tom Brady to Tampa Bay, having a proven back like Gurley wouldn’t hurt.
Depending on what the Rams are looking for in a trade, it’s possible they could pry the 76th overall pick and maybe No. 117 or 139 from Tampa Bay in exchange for Gurley. His contract is obviously the biggest hurdle, combined with lingering questions about his knee, but the Bucs have the draft capital and cap space to get a deal done.
Bruce Arians probably wouldn’t be opposed to having a veteran back on the roster, either.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are sitting on nearly $39 million in cap space currently and hold three third-round picks in addition to their own selections in the first, second and fourth rounds. They do have Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman in their backfield already, but Gurley would supplant both as the workhorse and be a nice complementary piece to Lindsay’s skill set.
Running back is reportedly a priority for the Broncos in free agency, which would lead you to believe Gurley would be a logical fit in Denver. Having Gurley on the roster with Drew Lock would likely help the young quarterback’s development, just as it did with Jared Goff in 2017.
Two third-round picks might be enough to get a deal done with the Rams, considering how coveted those selections are for Les Snead.
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