Falcons sign Todd Gurley: Grade, reactions and more
Todd Gurley has landed very quickly with the Atlanta Falcons, and here’s how the move grades out.
It has all happened fast for Todd Gurley, from a big contract less than two years ago to being cut by the Rams on Thursday to finding a new team. As first reported by ESPN’s Jordan Schultz, the Atlanta Falcons have signed Gurley to a one-year deal pending a physical.
Gurley is coming off the worst year of his career in 2019, as he had just 857 rushing yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. His usage and production as a pass catcher also dropped off, to 31 receptions for 207 yards, as a likely nod to an ongoing knee problem that may include an arthritic condition. But he did show a continued nose for the end zone, with 14 total touchdowns (12 rushing; tied for fifth in the league).
The Falcons created a void in their backfield by cutting their own expensive running back, Devonta Freeman, earlier this week. In his stead, before Gurley was signed, was Brian Hill, Ito Smith and Quadree Allison to try to improve the league’s 30th-ranked rushing attack from last year (85.1 yards per game).
It will be a return “home” for Gurley, as he played his college ball at the University of Georgia.
Contract Details
According to Zack Klein of WSB-TV in Atlanta, Gurley will get $5 million on his one-year deal with the Falcons.
National Reaction
WE GOT HIM. pic.twitter.com/N5aGYeYoFJ
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 20, 2020
This just feels like Steven Jackson the sequel. https://t.co/RL1RazcXBW
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) March 20, 2020
Here's how the Falcons' offensive skill group now shapes up:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 20, 2020
QB: Matt Ryan
RB: Todd Gurley
WR: Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley
TE: Hayden Hurst
10 of the 11 projected offensive starters entered the NFL as first round picks. Tons of talent and pedigree.
Todd Gurley had 1,064 yards and 14 touchdowns past season, despite seeing the fewest amount if touches of his career.
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) March 20, 2020
Welcome home, TG3 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/xOo4WeM90m
.@TG3II and @juliojones_11 on the same offense 🔥 https://t.co/Fyh1XcxJGs
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 20, 2020
Back to Georgia where it all began.
— NFL (@NFL) March 20, 2020
New @AtlantaFalcons RB Todd Gurley's BEST career plays so far. 🔥 @TG3II pic.twitter.com/iD3VBdVPgF
If I am a Falcons fan or a Georgia fan I am jumping for joy right now!! Welcome back Todd Gurley!
— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) March 20, 2020
First look at Todd Gurley in a Falcons uniform pic.twitter.com/MQ0ypdG8Cc
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) March 20, 2020
Todd Gurley goes from:
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) March 20, 2020
2019 Rams run blocking grade: 53.0 (26th)
to
2019 Falcons run blocking grade: 63.9 (11th) pic.twitter.com/5YlBTehsZq
Congratulations To The Great @TG3II! Welcome Home! WOOOOO! @AtlantaFalcons
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) March 20, 2020
Per @JeffSchultzATL HB Todd Gurley is signing a 1-year with the Atlanta Falcons
— PFF (@PFF) March 20, 2020
Gurley: 36th ranked HB in 2019 pic.twitter.com/TnaPGVOkX2
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The Falcons had a clear need at running back, and little cap space to work with. Gurley pretty clearly wanted to play for them, and his return to Georgia will surely spark some jersey and ticket sales. Exactly what he has left, and precisely what condition his knee is in, are the questions. But Gurley is still not even 26 years old, and a one-year flier is worth it for Atlanta.