The Los Angeles Rams have rewarded running back Todd Gurley with a four-year deal worth $60 million, including $45 million in guaranteed money.
The deal is a record for running backs in terms of guaranteed money and average annual salary, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead both confirmed Gurley's contract extension, which will keep him with the team through the 2023 season.
"So being with the Rams, and being with Les, and being with coach McVay — it's been phenomenal the last year. So I'm excited to be with these guys for the next couple of years," Gurley says after signing his new deal.
"Feel fortunate to be able to work with players like Todd," McVay said of Gurley, who finished second in the MVP voting last season, losing to quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots.
Gurley Had Breakout Year Last Season
Last season, Gurley ran 279 times for 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns. Gurley displayed his versatility by catching 64 passes for 788 yards and six touchdowns.
"Even as great of a player as Todd is, I think there's always room for improvement," McVay said of his running back, whom they picked 10th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Gurley was impressive in his rookie year, rushing 229 times for 1,106 yards and 10 scores as he helped the Rams finish with a decent 7-9 mark. In his next season, Gurley struggled, tallying just 885 yards and six touchdowns on 278 carries as the Rams finished with a 4-12 mark.
With Gurley signed through 2023, the Rams now all have their core offensive players locked through 2020, including quarterback Jared Goff and wideouts Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp.
"It's super exciting. I get to work with a bunch of great guys," Gurley said. "A great coach in coach McVay, a great quarterback in Goff. I got to see Cooks the last couple months and see what he's about."
Le'Veon Bell Reacted To Gurley's Deal
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell reacted to Gurley's new deal.
"[L]ol and ppl thought I was trippin?" he tweeted. It was reported that Bell wanted a long-term deal with the Steelers, but they failed to reach an agreement at the deadline.
Before Gurley signed his deal, Bell led all NFL rushers in contract value and average per year with his one-year franchise tag worth $14.5 million. Now, Bell plans to play out his franchise tag and become a free agent next season.
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