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Running Back Market Rebounds, Todd Gurley Has Thoughts
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- Running Back Market Rebounds, Todd Gurley Has Thoughts
A few seasons ago, the running back position was devalued as workloads shrank with the rise of the passing game. The position proved easily replaceable, with a short shelf life for most players.
That trend has reversed. Heading into 2026, top backs are finally getting paid what they deserve. Former Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley is happy to see it, though he admits some players he considers less talented are earning more than he did.
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Todd Gurley Has Mixed Emotions
Dec 17, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
" I'm definitely happy for them boys and what they're doing ," Gurley said on the "4th and South" podcast. "But I'm still a little bit pissed off at the same time because you got somebody that's half the player making double the amount. Which still don't make sense to me. But to see what them boys have been able to do, obviously Gibbs, JT getting his third deal, and then Bijan. We're talking about different types of backs."
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Gurley knows what it's like to be paid like a top player. After three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his first four years, the Rams made him the league's highest-paid running back in 2018 at four years, $60 million. That's 15 million a year. He played two more seasons before injuries led to his release in 2020.
His comments came as the running back market spiked . Several top players at the position landed extensions this offseason at $22 million per year, including Detroit Lions ' Gibbs, Atlanta Falcons ' Bijan Robinson and Indianapolis Colts ' Jonathan Taylor . The Philadelphia Eagles ' Saquon Barkley ($20 million) is close behind, as is the San Francisco 49ers ' Christian McCaffrey ($19 million).
These deals reflect more than a market correction. Modern running backs have once again proved they can be a team's best offensive weapon, catching passes out of the backfield and remaining effective well into their 30s.
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The trend looks likely to continue for the next generation of running backs entering the league.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
