By Jack McNicholas

March 23, 2020 

Five years ago Running back Todd Gurley was the tenth pick in the 2015 draft for the Rams. A shock to most at the time. Not due to Gurley’s obvious potential, but because he had only played 6 games. With a suspension and injury that would cost him the remainder of his junior season at Georgia. Gurley was still able to have a productive season. With 123 carries for 911 yards and 9 touchdowns. This led to Gurley being high on the Rams board. Now five years later, Gurley has had quite a ride and is now taking a new step. With another change of scenery as well as a lingering injury. It seems once again that Gurley’s knee is getting in the way of his future MVP hopes. 

On March 19, 2020, Gurley was released by the Rams. Five years later Gurley will make his return to his Prior to his release, he was due $10.5 million guaranteed. The move by the Rams is strictly. The team would owe him the rest of the money from his large contract extension if he were to stay on the team past the 19th of March. Gurley has a new home in Atlanta as he will be suiting up for the Falcons. He will return to the state of Georgia to play with the Atlanta Falcons next season. 

Since Gurley has entered the league he has had quite the resume. Three Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl Appearance, an Offensive Player of the Year award, and who can forget 2017. Gurley led the league in touchdowns in his third year with 19 total touchdowns and 2,093 yards. Many would say that Gurley has regressed. Although it is obvious that he has the stats to prove he can be the Falcons running back. Many would say that he has not been productive but I believe due to the arthritis in his knee the Rams have been careful with Gurley. 

He did have 14 touchdowns last year but due to a lower number of carries and involvement in the passing game. There was a lot of optimism about Gurley being a full time workhorse back. Financially it was not worth it for the Ram’s to pay top dollar for a running back they would use less.  Atlantas pass heavy offense led by Matt Ryan will be a great system for Todd Gurley to be involved in. He will not have the pressure of being a workhorse back. As we have seen with the Falcons the past few seasons they have not utilized their run game over their pass game. Gurley joined on a one year deal for $5 million. 

This is a hard pill to swallow as Gurley 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. Now he is on the one year prove it deal. It will be exciting to see Gurley featured in an offense with receivers like Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. With targets going to those receivers Gurley will not be tasked with running the ball over 30 times a game. A return to Georgia will be great for Gurley and he will have this offseason to further his progress in getting his knee back to full health. 2020 could be the year that Gurley continues his high touchdown totals and shows the doubters he is a top tier running back once again. Just as it was when he entered the league, Gurley’s knee will be the only thing stopping people from seeing how great he is when he’s at full strength.