Atlanta Falcons could be without a major contributor in 2020

Atlanta Falcons could be without a major player in 2020.

Over the last two offseasons, the Atlanta Falcons have released or lost both running backs that played in the 2016 Super Bowl. Last offseason, Tevin Coleman left the Falcons and joined former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, and this offseason, the Falcons released Devonta Freeman.

The franchise made a splash when they agreed to a one year deal with former Georgia Bulldog and Pro Bowl running back Todd Gurley. However, Gurley may never play a down of football for the Falcons. He recently told Tiki and Tierney on CBS Radio that he could see himself sitting out in 2020.

"“There’s not a proper plan in place that I’m comfortable with. I don’t have a wife. I don’t have any kids. You have to look at guys on the other side who have [a] pregnant wife, kids and a wife that they go home to every single day. I just feel like we just need to come up with something a lot better than what they’re giving us. Everything they gave us is pretty last minute. We should have been able to have answers weeks ago, if not months ago.”"

This is obviously a difficult time for everyone and there isn’t a clear cut right option for everyone. The one size fits all approach isn’t good for everyone and people need to do what is best for them during these uncertain times.

From a football standpoint, the Atlanta Falcons would be up that famous creek without a paddle should Gurley decide to sit out in 2020. They are counting on him to help resurrect the terrible run game for the Falcons.

Atlanta Falcons run game depth would take a major hit.

While the franchise would still have Ito Smith, Brian Hill, and Qadree Ollison, they would lack the highly respected threat that Gurley brings to the table. When healthy, Gurley is a threat out of the backfield in both the passing and run game and he would be hard for the Falcons to replace a month before the season begins.

According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, both the NFL and NFLPA agreed to the following parameters in regards to a 2020 season. The important deadline to pay attention to is that players will have seven days to notify their club if they intend to sit out the 2020 season.

"The 80-man roster deadline is Aug. 16, before padded practice, but teams can have 90-man rosters if they go with a split-squad setup. Some teams have plans to split squads and use stadium and regular practice facilities.NFL players considered high risk to COVID-19 can earn $350,000 and an accrued NFL season if they choose to opt out of the 2020 season. Players without risk can earn $150,000 for opting out.Players who make a team’s cut get a $300,000 stipend if the season is canceled and no games are played. If a season is canceled before the cut-down date, players who were on a team in 2019 get $250,000.Players will have seven days from the time the agreement is officially signed, likely on Monday, to make a decision about whether to opt out for this season."

Todd Gurley has to do what is best for him and the future in 2020 and hopefully, that will include suiting up for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020.