As many of you know this is the time of the year when many rumors start to fly about a variety of players being on the trading block or where free agents will end up. Being that the Dolphins have so many resources (money and draft capital) they’re going to be the team most likely linked with just about every rumor in the world.
I’m not going to respond to every rumor that’s out there, but I will respond to any rumor that intrigues me and that’s why I’m writing this article. There is a rumor/speculation that the Rams are looking to dump running back Todd Gurley and his high contract who turns 26 in August. Gurley who just two years ago was the top RB in the league and the number one choice in FF at his position. After signing a 4 year, $57,500,000 contract with the Los Angeles Rams he began to have issues with his knee after an injury in 2017 and from various reports he has arthritis in his left knee. In 2018 & 19 his carries have been reduced…
- 2019 rushing attempts 223
- 2018 rushing attempts 256
- 2017 rushing attempts 279
- 2016 rushing attempts 278
So why am I even intrigued with the idea of Miami taking on the Rams RB who most likely will not live up to his contract? Well here’s the deal. Todd Gurley is still young and he could have a couple of years left on his tires playing in a limited role. He is a big RB and could be a threat despite his potential limitations. What intrigues me is what is being offered to sweeten the deal if the rumor is true. (Yes, I’m a draft pick hoarder!)
The deal would be that Miami will take Todd Gurley off of the Rams hands provided that the Rams in exchange give Miami their 2nd round pick in the 2020 draft pick #52 and also share in the cost of Gurley’s remaining contract. The Rams already paid his signing bonus (21 million dollars) and the remainder of his deal that actually kicks in in 2020 is as follows:
- 2020: $5,500,000 base salary and a roster bonus of $7,550,000 for a total of $13,050,000 (Dead Cap 12,600,000.)
- 2021: $4,000,000.00 base salary and a roster bonus of $5,000,000 for a total of $9,000,000 (Dead Cap 8,400,000.00)
- 2022: $5,000,000 base salary and a roster bonus of $5,000,000 for a total of $10,000,000 (Dead Cap 4,200,000)
- 2023 $7,449,979 base salary and a roster bonus of $5,000,000 for a total of $12,449,979 (Dead Cap $0)
Contract Notes:
- 2020 Roster Bonus: $7.55M (guarantees 3/15/2019)
- 2020 salary fully guarantees on 3/20/2020
- 2021 Roster Bonus: $5M (guarantees 3/20/2020, paid the 3rd league day of 2021)
- 2022 Roster Bonus: $1M (due the 3rd league day of 2022)
- 2022 Training Camp Bonus: $4M
- 2023 Roster Bonus: $1M (due the 3rd league day of 2023)
- 2023 Training Camp Bonus: $4M
- 2023 Escalator: $2.5M
$1M for 1,200+ rush yards, or 1,650 yards from scrimmage (exercised in 2018)
$1.25M for NFL MVP or Offensive Player of the Year
The Dolphins would have options for bailing out the Rams and Miami can afford to take on his deal with some exceptions. Miami could first try to renegotiate a deal with Gurley and as mentioned they WILL have the Rams carry some of his financial burdens. Also looking at his current deal Miami could cut Gurley after two years with an affordable dead cap hit of $4,200,000. (Easy for me to say)
GM Chris Grier has been very creative in making deals to get rid of veteran players last season and also they basically bought Aqib Talib’s contract for a 5th round pick last season so just think what it would mean to add another 2nd round pick? Besides it’s not like the Dolphins could not use Gurley even in a limited role he is by far better than any RB currently on the roster.
The Rams are in cap Hell and that contract extension given to Todd Gurley is now a major pain in their rear end. They are looking for a lifeline and Miami just might be the team to extend it!
The Dolphin Seer 