Subscribe
Follow Us
Alert the Atlanta Falcons of this: Todd Gurley is a free agent. That's right, the Los Angeles Rams made the bold move to release their star running back on Thursday afternoon. It was a move that shocked many fans across the country and has made quite a few other fans hope that their team will end up signing him.
One of those teams could end up being the Atlanta Falcons, who have a major need at the running back position. After releasing their own long-term starter in Devonta Freeman, Gurley could be their answer and a nice upgrade. Atlanta may not be talked about as much as the Miami Dolphins or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they certainly should be considered an option.
Last season with the Rams, Gurley ended up carrying the football 223 times for 857 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers prove that Gurley still has some good football left in his legs.
Atlanta is entering a pivotal season for the future of their leadership. Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff are both firmly on the hot seat entering the 2020 season. If the Falcons don't make a run to the playoffs, they are both likely to be fired.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a closer look at three reasons why Todd Gurley would be a perfect fit for the Falcons.
3. The Falcons Need Another Game Changer On Offense
First up, the Falcons are in a position where they need to add another game changer on the offensive side of the football. Gurley may not be the elite workhorse that he once was, but he is still a very capable 1,000-yard and 15-touchdown running back.
Matt Ryan and Julio Jones still form one of the most lethal quarterback-wide receiver duos in the entire NFL. However, in recent years, defenses have been able to focus on shutting that connection down. Bringing in a running back like Gurley would change the game plans of opponents.
Gurley wouldn't need to have 35 touches a game in Atlanta. They would ask him for around 20 carries a game, which would be without question within his ability. Atlanta's offense would take a big step in the right direction by signing the star running back.
2. It Would Be A Homecoming For Gurley, Of Sorts
The state of Georgia has seen a lot of Gurley over the years. For those who don't know, he played his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs. Returning to the state is something that would absolutely be of interest to Gurley.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter has reported that the Falcons were one of the most interested teams in acquiring Gurley via trade before the Rams released him.
When the Rams shopped RB Todd Gurley in recent weeks, the two teams that showed the most interest were the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
Obviously, the Falcons would love to bring Gurley “home” to Georgia. He would be playing in front of some huge fans from his days with the Bulldogs and would be welcomed with open arms. That kind of an opportunity isn't something that every player has a chance to do.
Atlanta absolutely would be a team that Gurley would listen to in free agency and it appears they will come calling.
1. The Falcons Are Only A Piece Or Two Away From Contending
Granted, the Falcons struggled mightily to start the 2019 season. By the end of the year, they were firing on all cylinders and were playing like a playoff team. Atlanta is only a few years away from contending to get back into the playoffs.
Gurley wouldn't be a one-move fix for the Falcons, but he would be a great start. He would take the offense to the next level and would be an ideal fit. Atlanta should do everything in their power to get something done with him.
Atlanta won't be able to get Gurley for cheap. They are going to have to pay good money to sign him. However, if they are able to get him, he would be exactly the kind of energy shot that the franchise needs to get back on track.
