Report: Rams 'absolutely' want Anderson back next season

The Los Angeles Rams "absolutely" want running back C.J. Anderson to return for the 2019 season, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The pending free agent has 466 rushing yards and four touchdowns over 82 carries in four games since signing with the Rams ahead of Week 16. He started the final two games of the regular season and has served as a complement to Todd Gurley in the postseason.

Anderson, a former undrafted free agent, was selected to the Pro Bowl in his sophomore season in 2014 and topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in 2017 with the Denver Broncos. He hit free agency this past offseason but was only able to secure a one-year, $1.75-million deal with the Carolina Panthers.

The soon-to-be 28-year-old made one start over nine games with Carolina, rushing just 24 times for 104 yards as the No. 2 back behind Christian McCaffrey. His lone touchdown came on a 24-yard reception.

After the Panthers released him, Anderson signed with the Oakland Raiders but was cut before playing a game. The Rams added him as a late-season injury replacement for Gurley.

The Rams also have running backs Justin Davis and John Kelly on their roster but neither has received a carry in the playoffs. Malcolm Brown - currently on injured reserve - ranked third on the team with 212 regular-season rushing yards.

Gurley signed a four-year, $57.5-million extension ahead of the 2018 campaign; he'll carry a cap hit of $9.2 million next season before the number balloons to $17.25 million in 2020, according to Over the Cap.

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