Todd Gurley Resets the Running Back Market with Massive Extension

Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley. Photo Credit: Christina VanMeter | Under Creative Commons License

Recently, the running back position was considered devalued, the Rams’ have once again given it value. Per Adam Schefter, The Rams locked up running back Todd Gurley to a massive four year $60 million dollar extension with $45 in guarantees. The reigning offensive player of the year will remain in Los Angeles for at least another six years. Gurley entered the season with two years left on his rookie deal. He now carries the highest guaranteed money for a running back and the highest since Adrian Peterson‘s $36 million back in 2011.

Last season Gurley posted a career year rushing for 1,305 yards 13 touchdowns along with 788 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. He finished second in MVP voting and won countless fantasy leagues. He rebounded after a disastrous sophomore season in which Jeff Fisher‘s one-man crusade against offensive football came to an end. This deal is not only a boon for Gurley and the Rams but for the running back position as well.

Next season, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell and Cardinals running back David Johnson are free agents and stand to make a ton of money. Gurley’s deal resets the market and becomes the benchmark for the aforementioned backs as well as Cowboys running back Ezekiel ElliottThis deal comes after Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley signed a rookie deal featuring $31.2 million in guarantees. The running back position, for the time being, is BACK!

Now that the Rams locked up Gurley, there’s one last item of business to take care of before training camp. In a press conference, head coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead insisted that the extensions for Gurley and Brandin Cooks do not affect the extension for Aaron Donald. Training Camp opens on Thursday and now fans can rejoice in knowing that one of the best backs in football isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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