It was not long ago that Todd Gurley was among the best running backs in the NFL. He had back-to-back All-Pro seasons in 2017 and 2018, giving him three Pro Bowls as well in his first four years in the NFL.
But, since then, he has seen his production fall off. He has missed only two games in the last two seasons but his touches have been scaled back drastically. The Los Angeles Rams cut him in early 2020 despite owing him a lot of money, as he signed a four-year, $60 million deal on July 24th, 2018.
Gurley played the 2020 season with the Atlanta Falcons and the Rams still have $8.4 million in dead money this season. The Georgia product is still unsigned, so where could he land for the 2021 season?
Here are three teams that should consider Gurley.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins tried hard this offseason to upgrade their running back group. They pursued Aaron Jones, but he ultimately returned to the Green Bay Packers.
Malcolm Brown was signed in the offseason, but the team could use a little more depth. Last season they rolled with two undrafted free agents, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed. Both played well, but they also dealt with injuries throughout the season.
Adding some veteran depth such as Todd Gurley would make some sense. Injuries have done a number on him, but as part of a backup rotation, his skills could still shine through.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles recently parted ways with Kerryon Johnson, as he was waived/injured. He will likely be released with an injury settlement once he gets healthy.
The Eagles have Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Jordan Howard and rookie Kenneth Gainwell on the roster. While they have had good injury luck thus far in camp, it is a group that may need to add another veteran down the line.
An argument could be made that Todd Gurley is a better fit in a rotation than Howard, who struggled mightily with the Miami Dolphins and Eagles last season. Gurley offers something in the passing game as well that Howard doesn’t.
1. New York Jets
The New York Jets took the familiarity route when rounding out their running back depth chart this offseason. With Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur coming over from the San Francisco 49ers, the team signed running back Tevin Coleman.
Coleman joins journeyman Ty Johnson, La’Mical Perine and rookie fourth-round pick Michael Carter. That is arguably the least inspiring group of running backs in the NFL, as the Jets are doing a disservice to rookie quarterback Zach Wilson not providing him with more established options in the running game.
While Todd Gurley is no longer an option as a workhorse quarterback, the Jets are going to use a rotation at the running back spot. Adding someone with the talent of Gurley to that group, even as a part-time player, would help the offense.