Free-agent running back Todd Gurley II is reportedly meeting with the Detroit Lions.
Per ESPN s Adam Schefter, the three-time Pro Bowler is visiting with Lions coaches Thursday.
Gurley is familiar with Lions quarterback Jared Goff from their time as teammates with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Lions have two starting-caliber running backs. D Andre Swift is poised to take over as the No. 1 guy after splitting carries with Adrian Peterson last season.
Detroit also signed Jamaal Williams to a two-year contract when free agency began in March. The 26-year-old had 2,946 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns in four seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
The expectations for second-year running back D Andre Swift have naturally started to increase. D Andre Swift. Saw him in high school. We all seen him at Georgia and what he brought to the table just a complete back that was able to do it all, running backs coach Duce Staley explained. First-down, second-down, third-down. He s the guy that you want to keep on the field. He brings problems to the defense, and his skill set is good. So, I can t wait to work with him, and hopefully, I can take it to a whole other level. That s my goal.
The 2020 second-round draft pick of the Lions (No. 35 overall) certainly has the offensive line to make it happen this upcoming season.
Brady will kick off the NFL season Thursday, Sept. 9, with the Dallas Cowboys at the Buccaneers. ESPN s Monday Night Football opener is Sept. 13 and will feature the Las Vegas Raiders hosting the Baltimore Ravens (8:15 p.m. ET).
Based on strength of schedule which is determined by opponents records in 2020 the Philadelphia Eagles, Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons have the easiest schedules of the 2021 season, while the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ravens and Chicago Bears have the toughest.
The NFL will change its schedule for the first time in 44 years, expanding to 17 regular-season games. The final regular-season games will be played Jan. 9, 2022. The playoffs will begin January 15, 2022, and continue through Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13, 2022, at Los Angeles SoFi Stadium.