The Los Angeles Rams are cleaning the house of their players with “III” as their suffix, as they’ve released running back Todd Gurley III and linebacker Clay Matthews III.
Rams are releasing RB Todd Gurley, per source. Cutting him today spares the Rams from having to pay him an additional $10.5 million due today. Rams spent weeks exploring a trade for him. Now Gurley will be free to sign with any team.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
The news has been circulating around for weeks about the Rams attempt to clear payroll and especially their desire to deal Todd Gurley. They had hoped to get real talent back but were unsuccessful in that venture. By cutting ties with Gurley they saved themselves $10.5 million this season and millions more for seasons to come.
The 25-year-old has made three Pro-Bowls, two First-Team All-Pro’s, one Second-Team All-Pro, and led the league in rushing yards in 2017. Throughout his career, Gurley has scored 58 touchdowns, rushed for 5,404 yards, and played in 73 out of 80 possible games.
Clay Matthews was coming off his first season with the Rams as a free agent last offseason on a two-year contract and the Rams save $3.5 million with his release bringing their total savings on the two releases to $14 million.
Matthews had 37 combined tackles, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 13 games this past season.
Both players are expected to be in high demand.
