The Falcons brought in former Georgia running back Todd Gurley during the offseason in an attempt to improve the team’s rushing attack. Gurley, a former All-Pro with the Rams, signed a one-year deal in Atlanta after being released in 2019.
On Wednesday afternoon, Gurley appeared on NFL Network and expressed excitement about the team’s new head coach, Arthur Smith, and general manager, Terry Fontenot. Gurley was asked by Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner if the Falcons’ recent hires make him want to stay in Atlanta for another season.
“I definitely have to reach out to him and the GM just to be able to talk to them to see what they’re thinking and just get a head start on the free agency thing,” said Gurley.
Given the leap in success Derrick Henry took once Smith was promoted to offensive coordinator in Tennessee, it’s easy to see the appeal of playing under Smith. This season with the Falcons, Gurley ran for less than 1,000 yards for the second season in a row, with a career-low 678 rushing yards. Since 2015, he leads the league with 67 touchdowns.
Whether or not Gurley returns is up to the Falcons’ new leadership, but he would probably have to take less money after an underwhelming 2020 campaign. If he does sign in Atlanta, the team could still add a running back in the draft but it wouldn’t be as big of a priority.
[lawrence-related id=65562,65603,65591,65538]
[listicle id=65247]