RB cut by Rams in salary cap move

Todd Gurley’s run as a member of the Rams has come to an end. After failing to find a trade partner, the Rams released Gurley to help them save future cap space.

The Rams still owe Gurley a $7.55 million roster bonus which is to be paid by Friday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. They won’t, however, have to pay him the $10.5 million of his salary and extra bonus money that would have become guaranteed at 4 p.m.

Gurley’s release comes after his least productive season under Sean McVay. He rushed for just 3.8 yards per carry and 857 yards last season.

“Damn I got fired on my day off #QuaratineAndChill,” Gurley said of the news of his release on Twitter.

Gurley’s most desired destinations are Atlanta or Miami and both options make sense according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson. Atlanta recently released starting running back Devonta Freeman and Gurley played football at the University of Georgia. Miami had arguably the worst rushing attack in the league last year — anyone with talent would be welcome there.

Gurley has dealt with knee injuries since his time as a Georgia Bulldog. In 2019, Gurley’s trainer, Travelle Gaines, told CBS Sports that Gurley had an “arthritic component of his knee.” Gurley is just 25 years old with three Pro Bowl appearances and has been selected to the All-Pro team twice, yet his career is already on the downswing.

Gurley may not be able to carry an entire running game anymore, but he can still be a positive asset for an offense to have. He’s a vital player to have in the redzone. Nine of his 14 touchdowns came within five yards of the endzone. Being able to hammer the ball into the endzone is still a useful skill to have.

Wherever Gurley ends up next, one thing is certain: he won’t be making anything close to what the Rams were paying on his second contract. Gurley’s contract extension with the Rams was worth roughly $14.4 million per year. That figure is going to drastically drop with his next team.

Gurley is just the last running back to sign a long term deal and not see it to the finish line. Atlanta released Freeman three years into a five-year, $41.25 million deal. The Cardinals just traded David Johnson to Houston with two seasons left on his contract.

It’s unfortunate for the players, but the NFL landscape is increasingly showing that it’s not wise to invest long term contracts in running backs. Even though Derrick Henry led the Titans to the AFC Championship game, all he could obtain was the franchise tag. Former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon declined a contract extension with the team and is now struggling to find interest from teams in free agency.

As running back production becomes easier and easier to replicate, it’s fair to wonder what the financial future of the position looks like. It’s hard out here for these running backs, both on and off the field.