The Los Angeles Rams need a new starting running back. LA has released former first round pick, Todd Gurley. With a big roster bonus due today, the Rams decided to cut bait before committing more dollars to a broken down player. It’s no secret that Gurley’s knees are shot. LA has finally moved on after 5 years with the Rams.
Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to report the news:
This move came down to cap. Gurley was due a big roster bonus today that the Rams wanted to avoid. The Rams will eat an absorbent $20 million in dead cap. Gurley reset the running back market in 2018 when he signed a deal worth $57.5 million over 4 years. Turns out he really never even reached that point. Gurley played out his 5 years on his rookie deal and that’s it.
Gurley’s YPC average went from 4.9 in 2018 and 3.8 in 2019. He’s never been the same since a late season injury in 2018. It’s such a shame too because this was one of the best running backs in the NFL. Gurley had over 4,000 all scrimmage yards in 2017 and 18 combined. He also scored 30 rushing touchdowns during that stretch. Gurley was a game changing running back. His knees are shot but it was a hell of a stretch.
The Rams are now down to Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown as the running back tandem. I’m guessing that the Rams add one more name to that group. LA envisions Henderson as their version of Alvin Kamara. Brown can be a short yardage back. Still, neither of those guys can add up to peak Gurley. There’s no question the Ram’s offense will never be the same and Jared Goff can’t carry this team.
