Kyren Williams and the Rams: Is a Contract Extension on the Horizon?
Kyren Williams has become a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Rams offense, and with three seasons under his belt, he's now eligible for a contract extension. Having established himself as the team’s unquestioned number one running back over the past two years, the question isn't whether Williams deserves an extension; it's whether the Rams will take that leap before his rookie contract expires. Sean McVay, the Rams' head coach, has made it clear that extending Williams is on the table. "I think that’s something that definitely would be of a discussion," McVay said. "I’m really proud of the body of work that Kyren has put together, what he represents, and all the different things that we really want to be about as a football team. He’s checking a lot of those boxes."
Williams has reciprocated that appreciation. Speaking to ESPN's Sarah Barshop, he expressed his desire to stay with the Rams long-term. "I know I do love L.A., and I know that I would like to stay in one spot for my career," Williams said. "I don’t want to be bounced around everywhere. But no, L.A. is definitely a spot that I see myself being at, calling home. But that’s not up to me. I just got to continue to do what I do best, and that’s putting in the work and going out there on Sundays to make sure that that work is rewarded."
Drafted in the fifth round out of Notre Dame in 2022, Williams has far exceeded expectations. After a quiet rookie year with just 139 rushing yards, he broke out in 2023. Despite missing five games due to injury, Williams rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 206 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and solidified his role as the team’s feature back. In 2024, Williams took another step forward, rushing for 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns while catching 34 passes for 182 yards and two more scores. Although his efficiency dipped slightly, from five yards per carry in 2023 to 4.1 in 2024, his overall production increased thanks to a heavier workload.
Despite Williams' success, the Rams must tread carefully. The ghost of Todd Gurley's extension looms large. In 2018, the Rams signed Gurley to a four-year, $57.5 million deal after a stellar season, only to see his production decline due to injuries, leading to his release just two years later. Williams doesn’t carry the same injury history, but the position itself poses a risk. Running backs endure more wear and tear than most, leading many NFL teams to hesitate before committing to long-term deals. The Rams also drafted Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, leading to speculation about a potential timeshare. However, Williams maintained his role as the lead back, demonstrating his reliability and resilience.
The Rams have options. They could extend Williams this offseason, ensuring stability in the backfield for years to come. Alternatively, they could let him play out the 2025 season and use the franchise tag in 2026 if they’re still hesitant about a long-term commitment. For Williams, the hope is clear; he wants to remain a Ram. "L.A. is definitely a spot that I see myself being at, calling home," he said. However, as he wisely noted, that decision isn’t entirely in his hands. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Rams’ front office to see whether they’ll bet on Williams as their long-term solution at running back or opt for a more cautious approach. One thing’s certain: Williams has earned a seat at the table in those discussions.
