NFL Trade Rumors: Todd Gurley, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Are Possible Fit After Tom Brady Signing

Todd Gurley’s name has been in trade rumors since Monday when NFL teams were first allowed to speak with free agents. The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly exploring the idea of moving their starting running back.

The market for running backs isn’t what it used to be. A lot has even changed since 2018 when Gurley signed a four-year, $57 million contract. The 25-year-old’s $13 million salary for the 2020 season, which becomes fully guaranteed Friday, could make it particularly difficult for him to be moved.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be one of only a few teams that would consider taking on Gurley and the remainder of his deal. After reportedly landing Tom Brady in free agency, the Bucs are hoping to become immediate contenders.

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

I'm told the #Buccaneers are not done. the Todd Gurley buzz has some reality to it...and the team is looking for a speed WR to go along with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Brandin Cooks? Robby Anderson? Denzel Mims in the draft? @1043TheFan
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) March 18, 2020

Since word surfaced that Tom Brady is expected to land in Tampa, an unexpected high number of players have reached out to the Buccaneers to let them know they want to join the former Patriots’ QB there, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020

Tampa Bay arguably has the best receiving duo in the NFL. Mike Evans has posted a 1,000-yard season every year since entering the league in 2014, averaging 1,210 yards per season. Chris Godwin was third in the league in 2019 with 1,333 receiving yards.

Gurley could be an ideal third weapon for Brady, who targeted running backs and attempted shorter passes on a high percentage of his throws in recent seasons with the New England Patriots. Running back James White finished second on the Patriots in receiving yards in 2019 and was first in both targets and receptions in 2018.

A knee injury has prevented Gurley from performing at the same level that he did in 2017 and 2018 when the running back was a First-Team All-Pro selection. Gurley ran for a career-low 857 yards in 2019 on 3.8 yards per carry. He added 31 catches for 207 yards and 14 total touchdowns.

Gurley averaged 1,962 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns in the two previous seasons.

Ronald Jones was Tampa Bay’s leading rusher in 2019 with 724 yards on the ground. He had 31 catches for 309 yards. Jones has two years and a little more than $2.5 million left on his contract.

The Buccaneers went 7-9 last season, missing the playoffs for the 12th straight year.

The Rams went 9-7 and missed the playoffs a year after losing in the Super Bowl to Brady and the Patriots.