The Los Angeles Rams managed to secure running back Todd Gurley with a lucrative four-year, $60 million contract extension this offseason. The deal has now set the bar for other elite running backs looking to get paid in the near future.
There are many that feel the price tag may have been a bit steep for a running back. However, general manager Les Snead told Robert Mays of The Ringer that Gurley is much more than that:
“With [RB], it’s really just two letters in the alphabet,” Snead says. “Then there’s a subset of human beings that play running back. In Todd’s case, he’s the offensive MVP … so he’s not just a ‘running back.’ He’s not just an RB.”
Snead doubled down by comparing him to running back Adrian Peterson in his prime.
“He’s more than just an RB. He’s Adrian Peterson,” Snead said.
There is plenty of truth to Snead's comments. Although head coach Sean McVay has been credited with the sudden turnaround in Los Angeles, Gurley was at the forefront of their success last season. His versatile skill set as both a runner and a receiver makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
He finished the 2017 campaign with 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground while hauling in 64 receptions for 788 yards and six touchdowns through the air. Aside from his playmaking prowess, he is arguably the best pass-protector at his position as well after not giving up a single sack last year. That said, it is clear that Snead is well-aware that Gurley is giving the Rams plenty of bang for their buck moving forward.
Follow Us
Subscribe