If Le'Veon Bell is to be believed, the Steelers running back had an altruistic vision of setting the market for running backs during his recent contract negotiations. He wanted to redefine the position and be paid along with his skill position brethren.
Turns out, Todd Gurley beat him to the punch.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Rams and Gurley are finalizing a four-year extension worth $60 million, including $45 million guaranteed, which would make him the highest paid running back in history in terms of guaranteed money.
That comes days after the Giants handed second overall pick and former Penn State star Saquon Barkley a contract worth $31.2 million over four years -- all of it guaranteed -- with $15 million up front.
The Gurley deal could set a benchmark for other running backs like David Johnson, Ezekiel Elliott and Bell for their next deals.
Bell will play a second straight season under the franchise tag for $14.5 million and can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end. He is not expected Wednesday at Saint Vincent College when the Steelers report for training camp.
Last week, the Steelers were unable to come to terms on a long-term contract for Bell. Reportedly, the club's final offer was for four years at $70 million with $10 million up front and $30 million guaranteed.
In 15 games last season, the 26-year-old Bell carried a league-high 321 times for 1,291 yards to go along with 655 receiving yards and 11 TDs.
In 15 games last season, the soon-to-be 24-year-old Gurley rushed for 1,305 yards and added 788 receiving to go along with 19 total touchdowns.
