Todd Gurley - Pro Football Rumors

Former Rams, Falcons RB Todd Gurley Confirms Retirement

October 23rd, 2022 at 8:05am CST by Ely Allen

After six productive years in the NFL, running back Todd Gurley has confirmed that his time playing football has come to an end. In an interview with NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano (video link), Gurley answered some queries about his future in the league.

When asked if he was “calling it quits,” Gurley told Siciliano, “I don’t think there’s any question about that one.” Siciliano made certain, asking Gurley to confirm that he wasn’t coming back to the NFL, to which Gurley replied, “Yeah, most definitely.”

Gurley joined the league for the Rams’ last year in St. Louis after getting drafted tenth overall in 2015 out of the University of Georgia. Despite having just recovered from a torn ACL in his final collegiate season, he wasted no time in becoming a household name, exploding onto the scene with a 1,106-yard rookie season that saw him score 10 touchdowns and win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The team’s first year in Los Angeles saw some growing pains that were felt by Gurley, as well, as he only racked up 885 rushing yards and six touchdowns, a bit of a sophomore slump for the young back.

Gurley’s third season saw him find his stride. He turned in back-to-back All-Pro seasons and was 2017’s Offensive Player of the Year. In 2017, Gurley rushed for 1,305 yards for 13 touchdowns and added 788 receiving yards for 6 touchdowns, earning him a four-year, $60MM extension, including $45MM guaranteed, that made him the highest-paid running back in the league. His 2018 season erased any notions of buyers’ remorse as he rushed for 1,251 yards for 17 touchdowns, adding on 580 receiving yards for four touchdowns. Gurley’s burst of success resulted in team success, as well, as Gurley led the 2017 Rams to the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2004. Although that season ended in a Wild Card loss to the Falcons, the team would persevere in 2018 with a berth in Super Bowl LIII, winning the conference but losing the season finale to the Patriots.

Gurley’s All-Pro-numbers deflated a bit in 2019 and, although he totaled 1,064 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns, the team finished only 9-7, missing the playoffs. Although he didn’t miss much game time at all, arthritis in Gurley’s left knee contributed to the decrease in production. Seeing the writing on the wall, the Rams released Gurley, not willing to take a chance on his lingering knee issues.

After leaving the Rams, Gurley signed a one-year deal with the Falcons. While sharing a backfield with Brian Hill and Ito Smith, Gurley was able to rack up 678 rushing yards for 9 touchdowns, continuing to show an effectiveness in the red zone.

The 2021 offseason came and went, and Gurley remained unsigned. Many rumors linked him to his birthplace in Baltimore, as the Ravens had seen J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill all go down with season-ending injuries before the season even began, but nothing ever materialized, and the Ravens went with a committee of other veterans. Gurley continued to wait but would end up sitting out the entire 2021 NFL Season.

Gurley becomes the latest in a long line of examples that show how playing running back in the NFL is one of the most grinding, thankless jobs in football. Get drafted high, produce at a high level, and be discarded the second you start to show any signs of wear or tear. Running backs’ careers tend to be notoriously short, and, sadly for those who enjoyed watching him, Gurley proves to be no exception. But he shined brightly during his brief yet productive stay in the NFL and was justly rewarded for it.

Latest On RB Todd Gurley

May 23rd, 2022 at 8:15pm CST by Ben Levine

Todd Gurley hasn’t seen the field for an NFL game since January, 2021…and that’s fine with the veteran running back. Speaking with Keith Kocinski of NBC LX (h/t to Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com), Gurley admitted that he never had the itch to play during the 2021-22 campaign.

“There was never not one time where I watched a game and was like, ‘I wish I was out there,’” Gurley said. “I appreciated my time in the league and I’ve done things I could have never even dreamed about.”

Of course, the former Offensive Player of the Year acknowledged that there’s still a chance he could find himself back on an NFL roster.

“I like doing stuff on my time,” the RB said. “I like doing whatever I want to do. I’ve never been the one that liked to be controlled. I like to be in control of my own path. That’s the best thing about being in the position I’m in. If I want to try to play again, I can try to pursue that. Or if I don’t, I can just relax and chill at the house and spend a lot more time with my family because that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day. And then at the end of the day, still becoming a businessman and still venturing off in that next phase of my life.”

Gurley had a prolific two-year stretch with the Rams (2017-2018) that saw him compile 3,924 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns in 29 games. His numbers dipped considerably in 2019, and he was released by the Rams the following offseason. He caught on with the Falcons for the 2020 campaign but continued to regress, finishing with 842 yards from scrimmage (3.8 yards per touch) and nine touchdowns.

Despite the numbers, the veteran still managed to generate some interest last offseason, meeting with the Lions and Ravens. A deal never materialized, and Gurley ended up sitting out the entire 2021 campaign. The RB is still only 27 years old (28 in August), but he’ll likely have to wait for injuries to start hitting before he gets another chance at a gig.

Todd Gurley Wants To Join Ravens

August 30th, 2021 at 9:46am CST by Zachary Links

Todd Gurley still has interest in joining the Ravens, if they’ll have him (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). Gurley, who previously met with the team, could be a solid addition after the loss of running back J.K. Dobbins.

[RELATED: Ravens’ J.K. Dobbins Done For Year]

The Ravens hosted Gurley back in June but left Baltimore without a deal. At the time, he profiled as little more than an RB3 option, behind Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Now, with Dobbins out and Mark Ingram out of the picture, everyone has been shifted one spot up in the pecking order.

Edwards is a solid RB in his own right, but it remains to be seen whether he can carry a full starter’s workload. Gurley could help with some of that, but he hasn’t looked like his old Pro Bowl self in a while. He was held to just 3.5 yards per carry with the Falcons last year while adding 25 catches for 164 yards. His best work, of course, came with the Rams — he was an All-Pro in 2017 and 2018 with a combined 40 touchdowns during that stretch.

Beyond Edwards, the Ravens also have third-year scat-back Justice Hill and 2020 UDFA Ty’Son Williams on hand.

Ravens Host Todd Gurley

June 10th, 2021 at 9:24am CST by Zachary Links

The Ravens are hosting running back Todd Gurley on a visit today (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). If signed, Gurley could provide yet another intriguing option for Baltimore’s already-loaded backfield.

The bulk of the Ravens’ carries will go to second-year pro J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. But, with Mark Ingram now out of the picture, the Ravens are exploring every opportunity to fortify the group. Gurley hasn’t looked like his old Pro Bowl self in a while, but he comes with tremendous upside if he can stay healthy. Or, at minimum, he could mentor Dobbins as he looks to build on his stellar rookie season. Last year, he ran for 805 yards off of just 134 carries, good for a 6.0 yards per carry average.

Gurley, meanwhile, was held to just 3.5 yards per carry with the Falcons last year while adding 25 catches for 164 yards. His best work, of course, came with the Rams — he was an All-Pro in 2017 and 2018 with a combined 40 touchdowns during that stretch.

The Ravens have been active in the third wave of free agency, having just signed former Broncos tackle Ja’Wuan James to a two-year deal. And, despite his ruptured Achilles, there’s a chance that he could suit up for them this season.

Latest On Lions, Todd Gurley

June 3rd, 2021 at 1:54pm CST by Zachary Links

Todd Gurley left his Lions visit without a deal, but head coach Dan Campbell says the one-time superstar is still in consideration (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). Meanwhile, Campbell says the Lions’ interest in Gurley is not a reflection on any of the team’s current running backs.

“Look, we have interest in Todd. We do. We’re talking with him and his agent. But just because we have interest in him that does not affect our feeling and our thoughts on both (D’Andre Swift) and (Jamaal Williams). It does not.”

We already know that Swift agrees with that assessment — he’s been vocal about his desire to play with Gurley, a fellow Georgia alum. And, even if the Lions add Gurley to the roster, they can’t necessarily count on his health, given his recent history.

Gurley was a two-time All-Pro for the Rams, racking up 40 all-purpose touchdowns between 2017 and 2018. But, due to knee trouble, he posted just 3.8 yards per tote and 6.7 yards per catch in 2019. Last year, he was held to just 3.5 yards per carry with the Falcons while adding 25 grabs for 164 yards.

Ultimately, Gurley profiles as a potential low-risk, high-reward signing for the Lions. And, if things don’t work out, Gurley still has several months to find his next NFL home.

NFC North Notes: Gurley, Lions, Packers

June 3rd, 2021 at 9:42am CST by Zachary Links

The Lions have shown some interest in signing two-time All-Pro running back Todd Gurley. It’s not clear if he’s still on the radar after their meeting last week, but Georgia alum D’Andre Swift would be happy to welcome him to Detroit’s backfield.

“Knowledge. Experience,” Swift said when asked how he would benefit from playing with Gurley (via USA Today). “I’d be happy if he come here as well. I just want to compete with these guys. Just to have him in the building, that’d be good.”

Aside from their college connection, Gurley also has familiarity with the Lions’ new GM. Gurley’s best years in L.A. overlapped with Brad Holmes‘ Rams tenure, including 2,500+ rushing yards between 2017 and 2018. He’s been slowed by knee trouble ever since, but he could be an interesting partner for Swift now that Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson are out of the picture.

Here’s more from the NFC North:

Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is ahead of schedule as he returns from last year’s season-ending ACL tear (via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic). “He’s really working hard. I think he came back and he’s in excellent shape. We’re just going to take it one day at a time,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “I think he’s a little bit ahead of schedule but then again there’s a long way to the start of the season. We’ll see where he’s at when it comes to that time.” Pro Football Focus ranked Bakhtiari as the league’s No. 2 tackle last year before his December injury. So, regardless of which quarterback he’s protecting, the Packers are counting on his presence.
Speaking of which, Packers running back Aaron Jones says he didn’t chat with Aaron Rodgers about the QB’s plans before inking his extension (Twitter link via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette). “This is home,” Jones said. “This is where I love to be.”

Lions Meet With Todd Gurley

May 27th, 2021 at 12:45pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions are set to meet with Todd Gurley today (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). If signed, Gurley will reunite with old pal Jared Goff and pair with fellow Georgia alum D’Andre Swift.

Gurley was a two-time All-Pro while he was with Goff in Los Angeles. As the anchor of the Rams’ ground game, Gurley managed 40 all-purpose touchdowns between ’17 and ’18 while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Unfortunately, his knee injury hampered him in 2018 as he averaged just 3.8 yards per tote and just 6.7 yards per catch.

Gurley hooked on with the Falcons in April, following his Rams release. The deal wasn’t finalized for a while though — the pandemic prevented Gurley from taking his physical until June. Fortunately, he was cleared. Gurley went on to start in all 15 of his games for the Falcons, though he was held to just 3.5 yards per tote with 25 grabs for 164 yards — far below his best work.

At this stage, the Lions aren’t expecting the 2017 or 2018 iteration of Gurley. But, if he’s healthy, he could be a solid and low-cost addition to their backfield.

Todd Gurley Passes Falcons Physical

June 9th, 2020 at 9:38am CST by Zachary Links

Two months after agreeing to join the Falcons, Todd Gurley has finally taken and passed his team physical (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). At long last, everything is signed, sealed, and delivered, silencing any whispers about his condition.

Up until this week, Gurley wasn’t able to fly to Atlanta due to the pandemic. That’s been the case for many NFL players – especially free agents changing teams – but some wondered if Gurley’s injured knee was far from football-ready. In mid-May, even Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said he wasn’t quite sure what he going on.

“The main question that no one seems to know is, ‘What’s his health status?,” Koetter said.

All along, those close to Gurley insisted that his recovery was on track. Last year, the knee injury clearly hampered the two-time All-Pro. In 2019, he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and just 6.7 yards per reception. Prior to that, he managed 40 all-purpose touchdowns between ’17 and ’18 while averaging 4.8 yards per tote.

If Gurley flunked his physical, the Falcons would have had an opportunity to escape the one-year, $11MM deal, but they also would have had to restart their running back search. Fortunately, it seems that everything has worked out. The Falcons have Gurley to replace Devonta Freeman, and they’ll only have $6MM of Gurley’s salary on the books thanks to the Rams’ obligation, plus offset pay.

Gurley, a University of Georgia product, will be backed in Atlanta by Ito Smith and Brian Hill.

Jets, Falcons, Rams, Bears To Gain Cap Room Via Post-June 1 Cuts

June 1st, 2020 at 10:07am CST by Zachary Links

The Bears, Falcons, Jets, and Rams will gain additional cap space starting Tuesday, as Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter) notes. The extra flexibility comes from the following releases that have been designated as post-June 1 cuts:

Bears, Trey Burton: $2.8MM
Falcons, Desmond Trufant: $10.75MM
Jets, Trumaine Johnson: $11MM
Rams, Todd Gurley: $5.5MM

Players released after June 1 can have their remaining cap charge spread out across two seasons, rather than one. These four players were released earlier this year, but designated as post-June 1 cuts to smooth out the dead money.

For these teams, a chunk of this money will go towards funding the incoming rookie class. However, there will still be some room left over for summer upgrades, thanks to the top-51 rule. In the case of the Falcons, they’ll have about $8.25MM to spend, as Kevin Knight of The Falcoholic notes.

The additional space could jumpstart talks for June’s best remaining free agents, a group that includes defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, cornerback Logan Ryan, and guard Larry Warford. The Jets probably won’t go for Clowney, but they’ve shown serious interest in Ryan and Warford would make some sense for them if they want to upgrade over Brian Winters.

Todd Gurley Still Hasn’t Taken His Falcons Physical

May 14th, 2020 at 1:12pm CST by Zachary Links

In March, the Falcons agreed to sign Todd Gurley to a one-year deal. Weeks later, in early April, they officially the agreement, though Gurley had yet to actually sign his deal or take his physical. We’re now midway through May and Gurley still hasn’t taken a physical for Atlanta, according to offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport).

“The main question that no one seems to know is, ‘What’s his health status?,” Koetter said.

NFL players have not been able to take undergo traditional physicals during the pandemic, so it’s not a shock to hear that Gurley hasn’t been checked out by the Falcons’ team doctors yet. Other free agents have had physicals conducted with independent and mutually agreed upon doctors, but Koetter’s comments seem to indicate that the Falcons are in the dark, to a degree, when it comes to their new running back.

For what it’s worth, those close to Gurley say that he is in minimal pain and healing up about as well as anyone could have expected. Once things get back to normal, the Falcons will want to take a close look at Gurley’s knee and formulate a game plan to keep him on the field. That injury has plagued the two-time All-Pro. With the Rams last year, he averaged just 3.8 yards per tote and just 6.7 yards per catch. Prior to that, he managed 40 all-purpose touchdowns between ’17 and ’18 while averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

“What’s his workload?,” Koetter asked, rhetorically (via ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure). “He averaged about 17 touches a game last year, which is a little lower than he had been when he was All-Pro. We’re just gonna have to find that out once we get here and get him working, get him up and running.”

In a worst case scenario, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff says the team has injury protection on Gurley’s deal. Assuming everything checks out, Gurley will star in the Falcons’ backfield on a one-year, $11MM deal. Only $6MM of that figure comes from the Falcons’ books – the Rams are on the hook for $7.5MM and the rest ($2.5MM) comes by way of offset pay.