After a storied career at Georgia, Todd Gurley was selected 10th overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2015 draft - two picks after the Falcons selected defensive end Vic Beasley.
Gurley was released by the now-Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, while Beasley was allowed to leave in free agency after the 2019 season. Beasley, who had a league-high 15.5 sacks in 2016 with 15.5, recently signed a one-year deal worth up to $12.5 million with Tennessee.
The Falcons and Dolphins are interested in Gurley, according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, with the Falcons looking to fill the backfield void after cutting Devonta Freeman earlier this week. The issue for Gurley is his knee and if the Falcons can fit him under an already tight salary cap.
Signing Gurley, a popular player during his three seasons with the Bulldogs, would be a popular move for a team that played to a nearly-half full Mercedes-Benz Stadium down the stretch last season.
Gurley seemed to be taking the dismissal well stealing a Chris Tucker line from the movie Fridays.
Here’s a look at where things stand with the Falcons’ free agency moves:
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
OFFENSE
Kenjon Barner, running back -- Unrestricted free agent.
Matt Schaub, quarterback – Club picked up his option, according to his agent.
Justin Hardy, wide receiver - Will not re-sign with team
Austin Hooper, tight end – Will be allowed to hit the market. Has agreed to terms with the Browns.
Matt Simms, quarterback -- Unrestricted free agent.
Keith Smith, fullback – Was re-signed to a three-year deal on Saturday, March 14
Wes Schweitzer, offensive guard/center – Will be allowed to hit the market. Set to sign with Washington
Ty Sambrailo, tackle - Released by the team on March 16
Devonta Freeman - Cut by the team on March 17
Luke Stocker, tight end - To be released pending a physical
DEFENSE
Dante Fowler Jr, defensive end -- Agreed to three-year, $48 million deal with the Falcons .
Vic Beasley, defensive end/linebacker – Will not be re-signed. Will join Titans on a one-year deal
De'Vondre Campbell, linebacker – Will be allowed to hit the market. Agreed to one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million with Arizona.
Adrian Clayborn, defensive end -- Unrestricted free agent.
Jack Crawford, defensive tackle -- Unrestricted free agent.
Johnathan Cyprien, safety -- Unrestricted free agent.
Tyeler Davison, defensive tackle - Agrees to three-year deal
Ra'Shede Hageman, defensive tackle – Waived by the team on Jan. 13
Kemal Ishmael, safety/linebacker – Will not be re-signed by Falcons
Steven Means, defensive end - Re-signed to a one-year contract on March 9
Sharrod Neasman, safety -- Unrestricted free agent.
Jamar Taylor, cornerback -- Unrestricted free agent.
John Wetzel, offensive lineman – Vested veteran contract terminated and then re-signed.
J.J. Wilcox, safety -- Unrestricted free agent.
Blidi Wreh-Wilson, cornerback -- Unrestricted free agent
Desmond Trufant - Released by team He signed a two-year, $21 million deal with the Detroit Lions
» MORE: Desmond Trufant signs with Detroit
SPECIAL TEAMS
Matt Bosher, punter -- Unrestricted free agent
Ryan Allen, punter – Signed to a one-year contract extension for $945,000 on Feb. 18
Sam Irwin-Hill, punter – Signed to a one-year contract worth $510,000
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
OFFENSE
Brian Hill, running back - Falcons placed fifth-round tender
DEFENSE
Michael Bennett, defensive tackle
SPECIAL TEAMS
Younghoe Koo, placekicker – Signed a one-year contract extension for $660,000 on Feb. 18.
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