A good portion of Steelers Nation was likely saddened when the team couldn’t get a deal done with star running back Le’Veon Bell Monday. But they’re not the only ones who are upset.

Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley said he was pulling for his fellow running back to get his deal and was disappointed that it didn’t work out.

“As a player I definitely feel where he's coming from,” Gurley said per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “I don't know exactly what he wants. But if he did what he did I'm pretty sure in his mind he did the right thing. I definitely stand behind him and definitely support him. I wanted him to get that long-term deal but unfortunately it didn't work out. He's playing on the tag for the second time, which is not bad at all, but you know you just want that security. It's definitely a sad situation for a guy to be a top-three back since he's came into the league and put in the work and can't even get the money that he deserves. Definitely a sad situation.”

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Steelers rumors: NFL Insider hints at Mike Tomlin’s firing amid desperationBenedetto Vitale ·
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
George Pickens replaced by Steelers star at Pittsburgh youth camp he bailed onBen Strauss ·
One mystery player in the middle, Aaron Rodgers, Alex Highsmith around him, Pittsburgh Steelers logo in the background
1 perfect Pittsburgh Steelers move to fill out roster before 2025 training campEnzo Flojo ·
steelers, steelers trade, pittsburgh steelers, cordarrelle patterson
1 obvious Pittsburgh Steelers trade candidate entering 2025 training campGarrett Kerman ·
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
DK Metcalf a ‘big reason’ Aaron Rodgers signed with the SteelersMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks over his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Aaron Rodgers promises to disappear when he retires from NFLBen Strauss ·

As a big-time running back who’s also looking to get paid a lot of money, Bell not being able to land his market-resetting deal could potentially impact Gurley during his contract negotiations. While Gurley has played down talk about his next deal, the fact that arguably the best running back in the league couldn’t command the top-tier money other positions are getting doesn’t bode well for Gurley’s chances.

It’s just the reality of the business in the NFL that because of risky nature of the position, running backs — no matter how good they are — aren’t nearly as valuable to teams as other positions. It’s the sad situation Bell, Gurley, and other star RBs face both now and for the foreseeable future.