Chicago Bears (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
With the Los Angeles Rams releasing star running back Todd Gurley, it’s worth noting that he has a strong connection with the Chicago Bears.
The free agency frenzy rolls on and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. While the Chicago Bears have made some notable moves this week, the Day 4 bombshell goes to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams announced they are parting ways with 3-time Pro Bowl running back Todd Gurley. If Los Angeles hadn’t released him, they would have owed him $10.5 million in 2020.
Gurley has meant the world to the Rams over the past four seasons, and one has to wonder whether Los Angeles will take an even further step back from where they were during their Super Bowl run two years ago. Along with releasing Gurley, they have also cut veteran pass rusher Clay Matthews.
Back to Gurley, though, as he might be the biggest name on the market all week, other than maybe Tom Brady. The Bears currently have second-year pro David Montgomery as their lead back, but behind him, they don’t have a true compliment.
Tarik Cohen is more of a gadget player, as is return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, who should see more work out of the back field in 2020. But, one has to wonder if the Bears want to add a true, prototypical running back next to Montgomery.
The money would have to work itself out, obviously, because the Bears are strapped for cash at the moment. Whether that’s an extension or two, or even some restructuring with one or two players, the Bears would have to clear a little room.
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You might squawk at the idea of Gurley in Chicago at first, but it’s not as crazy as it sounds. The Bears are clearly taking their shot at a Super Bowl this year, with their recent veteran additions in Robert Quinn, Jimmy Graham and Nick Foles.
Speaking of Foles, there’s the connection to Gurley. During Gurley’s rookie season back in 2015, he lined up in the back field while Foles started 11 games. That year, Gurley rushed for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He would go on to have two additional 1,000-yard seasons and, of course, earn two All Pro nods.
As far as fitting in, he and Montgomery would be a lethal one-two punch. The fact that Gurley’s usage should be toned down in comparison to his past touches is a good thing, because he’d have a chance to stay fresh next to Montgomery.
With the Bears wanting to get back to running the ball more in 2020, adding Gurley would only strengthen that commitment — not to mention, his familiarity with Foles is a positive.
Don’t underestimate the relationship between Gurley and Foles. It’s certainly something to keep in mind as Gurley goes on to find his new home. He likely knows his days as a top-paid back are over, as well as the idea of him being a workhorse. In Chicago, he would be a perfect fit.
