Los Angeles Rams News & Rumors

Regardless of what happens with with respect to a potential Jalen Ramsey reunion, Kyren Williams looms as a key offseason priority for the Rams. Progress is being made regarding an extension agreement in the latter’s case.

When speaking to the media at the start of OTAs, head coach Sean McVay said “healthy” discussions have taken place with Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about a long-term deal. Talks on that front have been held this spring, with Williams – who is in attendance for the voluntary practices – set to play out the final year of his rookie contract in 2025.

The 24-year-old is uncertain to land an extension before the coming season begins, but in any case he is confident he will remain with the Rams in 2026 and beyond. Williams has operated as the team’s lead running back for each of the past two seasons, totaling 544 carries during that time. He earned a Pro Bowl invite along with a second-team All-Pro nod in 2023 as a result of his league-leading 95.3 rushing yards per game average that year.

Williams saw his efficiency drop in 2024, but an increased workload allowed him to set a new career high in several categories. RB1 duties should again be in store for the Notre Dame product moving forward, and that will of course hold true if a long-term agreement can in fact be reached. McVay added “positive progress” has been made toward a deal coming together. Should that continue to be the case, Williams could have an extension in hand well before Week 1.

The Rams have made mid-round draft investments in the backfield over the past two years (Blake Corum in 2024, Jarquez Hunter in 2025). A depth role can be expected for one or both of them this season, but much of Los Angeles’ offensive success will again be determined by the play of Williams as the team’s top option. His age and production could help lead to an agreement near the top of the running back market (which currently includes seven players attached to eight figures in annual earnings) if the Rams are willing to meet his asking price. Indications are that will take place somewhat soon.

One year remains on Kyren Williams‘ rookie contract, but an extension could be worked out to ensure he does not reach the market next spring. Talks have already taken place between the Rams and their lead running back’s camp, and he appears to be confident a long-term pact will be in hand even if the season starts without one being worked out.

Williams played sparingly as a rookie, but over the past two seasons he has been a focal point on offense for the Rams. The 24-year-old received 228 carries in 2023, and that number rose to 316 last year. A heavy workload can be expected again in 2025 regardless of if a second contract is worked out over the coming months. Williams would prefer an extension, of course, but in any case he is confident he will remain in Los Angeles beyond the coming campaign.

“I know with time it’s going to happen,” Williams said of a new contract (via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times). “I would love for it to get done so I can take care of my family and the loved ones that helped me get here… Whether it happens now or I play out the season, I know it’s going to happen eventually.”

Williams led the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2023 with 95.3. That figure dropped considerably last year, though, as his efficiency fell from 5.0 yards per carry to 4.1. The former fifth-round pick nevertheless set a new career high in a number of categories, including scrimmage yards (1,481) and touchdowns (16). He will be in store for a raise compared to his rookie deal – which calls for a $5.35MM salary in 2025 – once his next contract is in place. As of April, a gap existed between the 2023 Pro Bowler’s asking price and the Rams’ valuation of him, so progress will need to be made at the negotiating table.

General manager Les Snead aims to “engineer a long-term partnership” in the Notre Dame product’s case, but it remains to be seen if the Rams will be willing to make a commitment near the top of the running back market. Seven players at the position are attached to an AAV of at least $10MM, and Williams’ age will no doubt help his case to join that group. On the other hand, Los Angeles invested a third-round pick in 2024 in Blake Corum and added another running back (Jarquez Hunter) during the fourth round of this year’s draft.

Those two will remain under team control well beyond the 2025 season. It remains to be seen if that will hold true for Williams, but his latest remarks point to a free agent departure still being unlikely.