The Los Angeles Rams and star running back Todd Gurley have reportedly agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $60 million, including $45 million guaranteed, according to reports. Gurley's deal, which will keep him with the Rams for the next six seasons, is reportedly the largest guarantee given to a running back and the largest per-year average for any player at the position.
ESPN's Adam Schefter notes Gurley's massive extension "resets the market for running backs," and provides new benchmarks for other young running backs in search of new deals, such as the Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson and Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott.
As Gurley fantasy owners will attest, the 23-year old Pro Bowler bounced back from his sophomore slump with a stellar 2017 campaign. In 15 games last season, Gurley rushed for a league-high 13 touchdowns and led the league with 2,093 yards from scrimmage. He was second in rushing yards with 1,305, trailing only Kansas City Chiefs rookie Kareem Hunt, who had 1,327 rushing yards in 16 games. Additionally, Gurley racked up 788 receiving yards, second only to New Orleans Saints rookie Alvin Kamara, and pulled in six touchdowns through the air.
As a result of his monstrous performance, Gurley was named the Offensive Player of the Year and finished second in the NFL MVP voting to New England Patriots QB Tom Brady. And today, he was rewarded with a massive contract extension.
Gurley and the Rams, coming off an 11-5 year, will open up the 2018 season with a showdown against the Raiders in Oakland on Monday Night Football.