The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue believes an extension could be worked out by the end of training camp
Los Angeles Rams’ running back Kyren Williams has been one of the league’s most underappreciated performers. Williams has over 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 31 touchdowns since the 2023 season. Despite those numbers, the Rams have yet to reward him, but it could be on the horizon.
According to The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, an extension could be worked out by the end of training camp:
“The Rams initially opened contract negotiations with Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, at the league meeting this spring. That the two sides have continued to talk is a good sign that an early extension for the Rams’ No. 1 rusher could be worked out by the end of training camp.
The Rams will not pay top-market money for a running back, but Williams is a team leader and one of the more productive at his position in the NFL. He doesn’t hit “home run” explosives, but he tied among his peers for the third-most rushing touchdowns in 2024 (14) and ranked seventh in total rushing yards (1,299). If a compromise can be struck, training camp is the usual timeline for such deals under this era of Rams leadership.”
As Rodrigue said, L.A. will not spend top-market money for a running back. The front office had to have learned its lesson after the Todd Gurley deal.
However, it makes sense to retain Williams for a few more years. He is an outstanding leader on a young team that needs positive role models in the locker room. Those are the players you do almost everything to keep, not let walk out the door.
Again, the Rams would likely be better off to wait until 2026 to extend Williams. The recent running back resurgence, spearheaded by Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, is undoubtedly great for the league; yet, their deals shouldn’t be an exact model for what the Rams do when it comes time.
NFL execs, coaches and scouts ranked the league’s top 10 RBs in a July 7 article for ESPN. Williams was nowhere close to the top 10 and wasn’t even an honorable mention. If people around the league are not seeing Williams’ value, then what must the Rams think as negotiations are going on?
To be continued.
