LA Rams release running back Todd Gurley and OLB Clay Matthews

Unable to find a trade partner, the LA Rams announce plans to release running back Todd Gurley and OLB Clay Matthews, who may now sign with any NFL Team

The LA Rams announced plans to release running back Todd Gurley and outside linebacker Clay Matthews today, March 19, 2020. This comes just 14 months after the LA Rams played in Super Bowl LIII.   And it comes ON TOP OF the LA Rams losing an additional 16 players from the 53-man roster via NFL Free Agency, retirement, and electing not to pick up the team option year on a contract.

The announcement was not well received by his teammate and defensive standout Aaron Donald.

So far, the Rams are bringing back just offensive linemen from 2019, left tackle Andrew Whitworth and interior offensive lineman Austin Blythe.

So far, the Rams who have found homes elsewhere include OLB Dante Fowler Jr., ILB Cory Littleton, and DE Michael Brockers.

The Rams official announcement regarding the release of RB Todd Gurley just posted today

and OLB Clay Matthews posted as well

Of course, a bit of humor always helps, right?

So where does this leave the Rams?

Well, the team’s offense remains relatively intact with the exception of Gurley.  Clearly a running back will be a priority now in the 2020 NFL Draft, as the team had spoken to both Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans as well as interviewed Utah running back Zack Moss at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

The release of Gurley created an added hit to the 2020 Rams salary cap. The Matthews release was needed to offset that added hit.

As for the Rams defense, that becomes a bit sketchier. The team has added an outside linebacker via free agency in the form of Leonard Floyd.  In our article, we noticed that he was identical in skillsets as current OLB Clay Matthews.  So the move may have set up today’s release, rather than fill the vacant role of Dante Fowler Jr.

Rather than overreact, the news simply adds a high priority to the offense and a huge vacancy to the defense.  The Rams have just started making moves. We’ll hold off on judging the entire off-season until the team’s final 53 man roster is determined.