Trading an expensive running back with knee problems seems like a difficult proposition, but the Los Angeles Rams may try to make that happen this offseason. According to Mike Silver of NFL Network, Todd Gurley’s name is being brought up in trade talks on Monday.
This report comes after David Johnson was just traded to the Texans for DeAndre Hopkins, a deal that included a swap of draft picks.
Another big-name player whose name is coming up in trade talks: Rams RB Todd Gurley. As I reported in December, the team may be ready to move on. @nflnetwork @AroundTheNFL https://t.co/LbbBdmp4TG
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 16, 2020
Silver later added to his report, saying the Rams are seeking a draft pick in return, something in the range of the second to fourth round. That’s dependent on the other team taking on Gurley’s contract, though.
According to one GM who has discussed this with the Rams: They're seeking "something of value" for Gurley; a pick in the second to fourth-round range… depending upon new team's willingness to take on the contract… https://t.co/i7vo3oEGND
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 16, 2020
Gurley is a hard player to move for the Rams, considering he’s set to make $14.4 million per year on his new contract, which begins next season. Not to mention, he’s coming off the second-worst season of his career, rushing for just 857 yards (career-low) and 12 touchdowns on 223 attempts (3.8 yards per carry).
If they do trade him, Gurley will count $12.6 million against the cap in dead money, but save the Rams $4.65 million in cap space. His cap hit in 2020 is $17.25 million, the highest of any running back in the NFL and third-highest on the team.
Gurley was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2018, rushing for 2,556 yards and 30 touchdowns in those two seasons.