The Los Angeles Rams are certainly taking care of business ahead of the start of the preseason.
Shortly after signing recently-acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks to a lucrative long-term extension, Los Angeles is on the verge of making reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley the league’s highest-paid running back.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams are finalizing a four-year, $60 million extension with the former top-10 pick. The deal will include $45 million guaranteed with an average annual salary of $15 million.
Rams and RB Todd Gurley finalizing agreement on a 4-year extension worth $60 million that includes $45 million guaranteed that ties him to LA for the next six seasons, source tells ESPN. Finally a deal that resets the RB market.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2018
As Schefter notes, this completely resets the running back market. The $15 million per season ranks No. 1 among running backs on long-term contracts, as does the $60 million in total value and the guaranteed cash.
That’s simply a stunning contract for the Rams to hand to a running back. It will also lead to further pressure for the Pittsburgh Steelers as their drawn-out contract stalemate with Le’Veon Bell continues.
Gurley, 23, recorded a league-best 2,093 total yards to go with 19 touchdowns en route to helping Los Angeles to a surprising NFC West title last season.
