Lions GM Brad Holmes has already acquired two staples of his former team. Will he make it three?
Two-time All-Pro and 2017 Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley is in Detroit Thursday for a free-agent visit with the Lions, as reported by Adam Schefter and later confirmed by D'Andre Swift who smiled after practice and said, "I saw him today."
Swift and Gurley are linked as former stars at Georgia. In fact, Swift broke Gurley's school record for career yards per carry. They crossed paths in the Lions' building Thursday and shared a brief hello.
If he agrees to a deal with Detroit, Gurley would be reunited with two former Rams in QB Jared Goff and DL Michael Brockers. He'd also join a backfield that already features the likes of Swift, Jamaal Williams and rookie Jermar Jefferson.
What could Gurley add to that group?
"A lot," said Swift. "Knowledge, experience. I’d be happy if he comes here. I just want to compete with these guys. Just to have him in the building would be good."
Gurley starred for the Rams from 2015-18 when Holmes was the team's director of college scouting; Holmes also played a big role in the Rams' decision to draft Gurley 10th overall in 2015.
Gurley's play declined in 2019 after which he signed a one-year deal with the Falcons. He took 195 carries for 678 yards in 15 games last season, a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. He did rush for nine touchdowns.
One of those came in infamous fashion against the Lions in Week 7 when Gurley mistakenly scored in the finals seconds, preventing the Falcons from sealing the game with a field goal and setting up Detroit for the game-winning touchdown drive.
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