Dan Campbell Says Lions Still Have Interest in Signing Todd Gurley
The Detroit Lions may not be done adding to the running backs room.
After signing one running back, Jamal Williams, in free agency and adding Jermar Jefferson through the NFL Draft, Detroit has its eyes on former All-Pro Todd Gurley. Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the news to reporters Thursday.
“We have interest in Todd, we do,” Campbell said. “We’re talking with he and his agent. We have interest in him. I would say this, just because we have interest in him, that does not affect our feeling and our thoughts on both (D’Andre) Swift and Jamal.”
Gurley was reportedly in Detroit for a visit May 27, but left without signing. That day, during a media session, Swift was asked for his feelings about the Lions adding another former Georgia Bulldog to the running backs room in Detroit.
“I’d be happy if he came here as well,” Swift said. “I just want to compete with these guys. Just to have him in the building, that’d be good.”
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Concerns are abound about Gurley’s health. Since back-to-back seasons as a first-team All-Pro from 2017-18, Gurley’s production has dipped.
Leg injuries led to him being released from Los Angeles in 2019, and he was let go by Atlanta after just one season.
Gurley is a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, and he has run for over 6,000 yards.
However, he’s entering his seventh season, at age 27.
The Lions have signed running backs in similar situations before (i.e. Adrian Peterson and Reggie Bush). In the past, these decisions have produced mixed results.
Bush rushed for 1,006 yards in 2013, his first year with Detroit. However, he dealt with injuries in 2014, and ran for just 297 yards in 11 games. Peterson, meanwhile, played in all 16 games for the Lions in 2020, but ran for only 604 yards and seven touchdowns.
Gurley presents a unique possibility for the Lions. He’s shown he can be a strong player, but is entering what many believe to be the back half of his career.
“Todd is a young man that, at one time, was considered one of the best in the game,” Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said. “He has a wealth of experience that he can pass along to our young backs and hopefully, he’s got some juice left. If he’s a Lion, we’ll figure out a way to use him.”
Goff getting a grasp of the offense
One of the more interesting storylines to follow has been the acclimation of new Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Acquired in a trade for former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford, Goff will be handed the reins early.
Campbell and Lynn have been impressed with what they’ve seen from the former L.A. Rams passer during the Organized Team Activities portion of the offseason.
“He’s doing fine,” Lynn said. “He’s learning the system, he’s picking it up pretty fast. His arm strength is really good. He’s thrown some accurate balls.”
“I don’t want to get too far on this right now, but I’ll tell you what,” Campbell said. “Yesterday, it was impressive. He made some throws yesterday that were just, my gosh, they were outstanding. I mean pinpoint, accurate throws.”
