The Rams gave Todd Gurley a game-changing contract after he transformed their offense last season.
On Tuesday, the Rams signed the NFL's offensive player of the year to a four-year, $60 million extension through 2023.
The Associated Press reported that Gurley's contract extension includes $45 million in guaranteed money, a $20 million signing bonus, and the NFL's highest running back average annual value. ESPN revealed the terms.
The Rams sought "to get ahead of the curve" by signing Gurley two years before his rookie deal expired, according to general manager Les Snead. They set a new running back salary standard to secure a Super Bowl contender.
"He's big part of who we are and where we're going," Snead added. "It's not only Todd, but a lot of guys we want to make Rams for a long time and be part of our core."
UC Irvine training camp doesn't start until Wednesday for Gurley. He posted a black-and-white Instagram snapshot of himself smiling with the caption "Amazing..."
Gurley excelled in Sean McVay's dynamic offense in his third NFL season. He ran for 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 64 passes for 788 yards and six additional touchdowns to finish second in the NFL.
"What a special player he is," remarked McVay. "I think last year's production isn't really a (complete) reflection of the value he provides, because he did such a great job, but he's so much more than that to our team—the way that he competes in protection, the way that he works, and the way that rubs off on his teammates."