L.A. Rams Running Back Todd Gurley Speaks Out About Disparity Between NBA Contracts and NFL Contracts: “I Just Want Like $80M. Those Guys Are Getting Like $150M”

As the #NBA wraps up its offeason pick-ups and trades with several individual players securing deals worth more than $100 million, most of which is guaranteed, many have grown concerned about the disparities in pay between sports. 

In fact, Los Angeles Rams running back #ToddGurley said that if the league contracts aren’t altered to, at the very least,  guarantee compensation, he sees a “lockout [happening] in a couple years.” 

“Us NFL players, we’re just mad about NBA contracts right now, that’s all,” Gurley said when asked about the disparity in pay. “I just want like $80 million. Those guys are getting like $150 [million]. It’s crazy. It’s insane.” 

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However, lucky for the league, as well as the fans, the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement is up in three years, and according to the Bleacher Report, guaranteed contracts could be among one of the biggest topics. 

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With the sport being one of the most physically demanding and risky, due to its contact, the idea of guaranteed contracts is hit or miss. If a contract is guaranteed and a player gets hurt, then that’s lost wages and production. But, on the other hand, if the NBA could take the risk, so can the NFL.

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According to Bleacher Report, the biggest current contract in the league is a five year, $150 million deal with $94.5 million guaranteed for quarterback Matt Ryan. While, OKC signed Russell Westbrook to a five-year, $205 million deal in the NBA. 

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Problem is, such large contracts are usually reserved for quarterbacks. Devonta Freeman, who signed the biggest contract for a running back, is under a five-year, $41.25 million contract, which pales in comparison to his quarterback.