Todd Gurley isn’t going anywhere. The Rams agreed to a four-year extension with their prized running back that can be worth up to $60MM, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). Gurley was set to hit the open market after the 2019 season, but he’s now under club control through 2023.
[RELATED: Rams Sign Brandin Cooks To Extension]
The deal includes $45MM guaranteed, according to Schefter, which is the largest guarantee ever given to a running back. We’ll have to wait for final word on whether that’s $45MM guaranteed at signing or just $45MM guaranteed for injury, but it’s a substantial commitment either way. The contract also gives Gurley a new money average of $15MM/year, which tops all running backs. It’s a new benchmark for David Johnson and Ezekiel Elliott to shoot for in their forthcoming extension talks, and a target for free-agent-to-be Le’Veon Bell as well.
The running back market has been stagnant for a long time in the NFL, but this is a contract that truly moves the needle. Prior to Gurley’s deal, Bell had the largest annual average value of RBs with his franchise tag of $14.54MM. For multi-year deals, Devonta Freeman was the kingpin with an average of $8.25MM per year. In terms of total guarantees, rookie Saquon Barkley had the crown with $31.2MM secured, followed by fellow youngsters Leonard Fournette and Elliott.
It remains to be seen how teammate Aaron Donald will react to the news of Gurley’s new deal. While Donald has been staying away from the team in an effort to get an extension, the Rams have given Gurley and wide receiver Brandin Cooks contracts to reset the market at their respective positions. Cooks and Gurley showed up for team activities this offseason, so it’s possible the Rams are sending a message by completing their deals first.
Last year, Gurley finished second in MVP voting as he ran for 1,305 yards and a league-leading 13 touchdowns. With an average of 4.7 yards per carry as well as 64 catches for 788 yards and six receiving touchdowns, he was a no-brainer choice for the Pro Bowl and a First-Team All-Pro selection. Not too shabby for a running back who celebrates his 24th birthday next week.
Levon Bell must be jealous.
Leveon Bell is probably flipping out reading this. LB deserves something similar.
On the contrary, I would think that Bell is thrilled by news of Gurley’s deal because to Bell it justifies the contract numbers he has reportedly been asking the Steelers for. If Todd Gurley can get $15 mill per year on average, and possibly $45 mill total of that guaranteed, then in Bell’s mind there is no reason why he can’t get those numbers. Perhaps Bell is right, perhaps not, but the argument can be made.
Except Bell is approaching 30 and Gurley is not.
If your suggesting life ends for RBs at age 30 then you haven’t heard of Frank Gore.
Which is why the Steelers aren’t meeting Bell’s demands, and I don’t blame the team. But, I don’t blame Bell for asking either. If Pittsburgh doesn’t give him the money, someone else might next year, and Gurley just bumps up the RB pay scale.
There is little doubt that the Rams are pushing all their chips to the center of the table in pursuit of a championship title. George Allen is no longer the coach but they have adopted his “The future is now” philosophy in a big way.
More power to them, they have a hell of a team right now. I worry there’s too many big names on that roster though. Team chemistry may be difficult.
You make an excellent point. As a Bears fan I saw ego’s destroy what should have been a dynasty back in the mid 80s. It’s even harder to avoid chemistry issues in this era of social media. On paper the Rams look like a juggernaut ready to explode but the coaching staff may have to work extra hard to keep all those personalities focused on the “team” concept.
Their cap situation could get scary after Donalds deal but for now thats one heck of a team
This Rams team is so much fun to watch. An ascending QB, elite RB, solid O Line, extremely talented D Line and defensive backfield, elite special teams as well.
And if that weren’t enough they have a guy called Wade Phillips on the coaching staff.
Amen
He has already turned down the money twice!
If you are referring to Bell, neither of his reported offers from the Steelers were for as much money as Gurley is apparently getting, in guarantees or in per year average. Bell has a price in mind and is sticking to it.
This just goes to show you how valuable hitting on a QB in the draft is. With Goff tied to his rookie deal for the next few seasons they have all that extra cap room to pay players. Just like Seattle did with Wilson, the Cowboys with Prescott, the Eagles with Wentz. They can actually get/keep high end talent at market value. Too bad that window closes real fast.
Of course the alternate argument can be made that going for broke on a QB in the draft is not the best strategy. The Browns are exhibit A with regards to that argument. Tom Brady didn’t exactly set the world on fire while under a rookie contract but Patriot fans certainly have no complaints about that now.
If the Rams don’t trade Donald, they are crazy!
Just for fun tell us where you would send him and what you would accept in exchange.
Are his shoes made of red carpet?