Todd Gurley was cut by the Los Angeles Rams after only two seasons after signing a four-year $60 million extension. He’s at least taking it in stride.
Now Gurley is free to sign with whatever team he would like. The problem for teams looking to land the former All-Pro running back is that he simply hasn’t shown the burst that used to make him such an amazing player. His knee isn’t going to get any better and he will have to be on a proverbial pitch count. Basically, win-now teams will be interested in Gurley, and he won’t get a long-term deal.
Still, some teams should be interested in bringing Gurley in. He’s a three-down running back who is talented as a pass catcher and when healthy is one of the best backs in the league. Let’s take a guess at what team’s will be in the market.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This will be the obvious team that’s mentioned when Gurley destinations are brought up. The Bucs are all-in. They just gave a $30 million per year contract to a quarterback who will be 43 when the new season starts. They have Ronald Jones who isn’t good in the passing game, and Tom Brady needs a back who can catch the ball and pass protect.
Enter Gurley. By keeping Jones on the roster, he can handle half the load in the rushing game. Gurley will protect Brady if needed as he was a great pass blocker in 2018. He can take a break when Jones is in the game in running situations. They still have a ton of cap space. This move is kind of obvious.
Chicago Bears
The Bears don’t have much cap space — only $7 million according to Over-The-Cap — but they also don’t have an early-down running back since Jordan Howard signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Matt Nagy should surely be able to cook up some mismatches for Gurley to take advantage of. Gurley could be used in the screen game. Tarik Cohen could spell Gurley. Plus, the Bears need to win now or people are going to start losing their jobs.
Indianapolis Colts
Marlon Mack was a very good running back for the Colts last year, but they have a ton of cap space and are going all-in. We know this because they signed Philip Rivers to a one-year deal. There’s no problem with running back depth and the Colts could give Gurley the situation he needs to be fresh at the end of the season.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have $36 million in cap space according to Over-The-Cap and have Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Corey Clement on their depth chart. Sanders and Scott provide enough insurance for the Eagles, and they get to add a weapon. Sanders came on toward the end of last season, but he was a bit disappointing — especially for fantasy owners.
Gurley will give the Eagles offense another weapon and the Eagles have made a living on signing players to smart contracts.
Denver Broncos
It’s time for the Broncos to move up the standings or John Elway may finally get questioned by the Denver fans and current folks handling ownership. He needs to win now and Gurley would be a flashy signing. Phillip Lindsay has been a very solid back. Royce Freeman was supposed to be the answer as the main back in running situations, but he hasn’t lived up to the — unfair — hype.
Gurley could add another dimension to the Broncos running attack. John Elway has a history with backs who were injured — during his playing career — excelling in Denver. Why not take the chance?
Buffalo Bills
This is the time for the Bills to go all-in for the AFC East title and they have a ton of cap space. Not only do they have cap space but the only running backs currently on the roster are Devin Singletary and T.J. Yeldon. Bringing in Gurley makes sense. He isn’t as much of a risk as bringing back Frank Gore.
