Should Seahawks pursue former Rams running back Todd Gurley?

The Seattle Seahawks should consider pursuing former Rams running back Todd Gurley now that he has been released by Los Angeles.

In one of the more stunning moves this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams have parted ways with their three-time Pro Bowl running back Todd Gurley.

Gurley was the true driving force for the Rams under coach Sean McVay’s dynamic offense, paving the way for an unstoppable force in the City of Angels. In 2017, Gurley had a career-high 1,305 rushing yards, which was his second 1,000+ yard season in his first three years. He parlayed that into a lucrative four-year deal worth up to $57.5 million, with $45 million guaranteed, prior to the 2018 season.

Now only two years removed from doling out such a massive extension, the Rams are parting ways with their former star player, who had a down year in 2019 following knee injuries suffered late in 2018.

This is good news for the Seahawks, as they will not have to defend against a Rams offense led by Gurley. Ever since Gurley joined the Rams, the Seahawks have had no answer when it came to stopping him. Gurley consistently had his way with the Seahawks, as he accumulated 694 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground in his career versus Seattle.

Gurley was also rather deadly through the air as well, as he gained 144 receiving yards and another score.

However, now that Gurley is no longer a foe, could he become a friend? Is pursuing Gurley worth it for the Seahawks?

Knee injury concerns are very much legitimate for Gurley, who was reported to have arthritis, although he still managed to rack up 857 yards on the ground and 14 total touchdowns last year. Gurley may not be the bell cow he once was, but it stands to reason that he could be a very effective weapon splitting carries with another quality back.

Considering Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny both suffered season-ending injuries – the second in three years for Carson – then perhaps inquiring about Gurley’s availability might be worth it for the Seahawks. A consistent rotation between Carson, Gurley, and Penny could be quite lethal.

If Gurley is on the open market, his injury could drive down his asking price. He could very well be seeking a shorter “prove it” style deal to show he is still a star in this league. If the price is right, the Seahawks would be wise to look into it.

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