The long-awaited extension between Kyren Williams and the Rams has been worked out. A deal was struck Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
This will be a three-year, $33MM pact, Schefter adds. $23MM in guarantees are present in the agreement. Williams was entering the final year of his rookie contract, but today’s news means he will be on the books through the 2028 campaign.
Signs have consistently pointed to a pact being worked out in this case, and an update from last week indicated an agreement was close. Today’s news thus comes as no surprise, nor do the terms of the pact. Williams was not a candidate to reset the running back market, although he has managed to land a rare eight-figure AAV at the position. The 24-year-old’s $11MM mark checks in at seventh amongst running backs, evenly splitting Aaron Jones and Josh Jacobs in terms of annual average value.
Williams participated in spring practices as well as training camp while negotiations took place. The former fifth-rounder said in May he anticipated remaining with Los Angeles beyond the 2025 season regardless of when a new deal was struck. With plenty of time to spare, his long-term future has now been assured. Williams will be expected to reprise his role as lead running back for the coming campaign but also years to come.
As a rookie, the Notre Dame product saw sparse usage on offense. The past two years have been much different, though, with Williams receiving 260 touches in 2023 and then 350 last season. During his first year atop the depth chart, his 95.3 rushing yards per game led the NFL and resulted in a Pro Bowl nod. Williams managed to increase his overall production – including 16 total touchdowns – in 2024, although his efficiency took a step back. Managing to remain effective while handling a heavy workload moving forward will be key in determining the return on Los Angeles’ investment.
The Rams will continue to rely on receiver Puka Nacua in the passing game this season, and while Cooper Kupp is no longer in the fold Davante Adams is present on two-year free agent pact. Those two will be the focal points of the team’s offense through the air in 2025, quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s fifth season with Los Angeles. Williams will nevertheless maintain a critical role for the unit as well.
Former UDFA Ronnie Rivers, 2024 third-round selection Blake Corum and fourth-round rookie Jarquez Hunter represent the Rams’ other options in the backfield. That trio will provide the team with young and inexpensive backups at the RB spot while Williams plays out this new accord. As Los Angeles eyes a repeat of last year’s run to the divisional round of the postseason – at least – a major piece of offseason business has been taken care of.
This is prolly the blueprint for James Cook to get his contract settled.
Agree. Based on production, Williams should receive more than Cook (someone please tell his agent).
I’d be willing to pay a bit more for guys that don’t mind freezing in those winter blizzards that frequent Buffalo.
Such a dumb move but fun for their fans.