- Kyren Williams and the Rams agree to a three-year extension: The productive running back will make $33 million over the deal and is now seemingly locked into the team’s starting role for the foreseeable future.
- Spencer Rattler may have a leg up on rookie Tyler Shough at Saints camp: The team’s quarterback battle appears to be swinging Rattler’s way, although he was the NFL’s lowest-graded signal-caller in 2024.
- The best deal of the year: Use discount code earlybird to save up to 33% on your PFF+ subscription.
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Rams sign RB Kyren Williams to a three-year extension
The Los Angeles Rams signed running back Kyren Williams to a three-year, $33 million extension, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Williams has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL in recent seasons. Over the past two years, he ranks in the top three in rushing yards (2,443), yards after contact (1,622), rushing touchdowns (26) and first-down rushes (146). His best season as a pro came in 2023, when his 80.4 PFF overall grade ranked 10th among 59 qualifying running backs.
The extension all but locks Williams into the Rams’ RB1 role for the foreseeable future. Los Angeles has depth behind Williams, fourth-round pick Jarquez Hunter and 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum, should he miss any time in 2025.
Spencer Rattler is “clearly” outplaying Tyler Shough in Saints’ QB camp battle
Spencer Rattler has been “clearly” outplaying second-round rookie Tyler Shough in Saints training camp, according to Saints beat writer Nick Underhill.
New Orleans drafted Tyler Shough 40th overall, but he doesn’t appear close to earning the starting job at the moment. Shough is an older prospect (turns 26 next month) and is coming off a career-best 87.7 PFF passing grade at Louisville in 2024.
Rattler struggled as a rookie last season, ranking 42nd out of 42 qualifying quarterbacks for the year in PFF overall grade across his limited action. He was credited with six big-time throws and 14 turnover-worthy plays in seven games for the Saints in 2024.
While Rattler remains the favorite to start Week 1, it seems more probable than not that Shough will be involved at some point this season.
Texans activate RB Dameon Pierce from PUP list
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce was activated from the PUP list and will practice Tuesday for the first time since injuring his quad in spring workouts, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Alexander.
Pierce’s return comes at a good time for the Texans, who have some depth concerns at the position heading into the season. Joe Mixon is dealing with an ankle/foot injury that could linger into September, and backup Nick Chubb has suffered severe injuries in each of the past two seasons and is being eased back into action.
Pierce carried the ball just 46 times last year (including the playoffs) but made the most of his opportunities, averaging 6.28 yards after contact per attempt and forcing 11 missed tackles. He had two explosive touchdown runs — a 54-yarder against the Patriots in Week 6 and a career-long 92-yarder against the Titans to close out the regular season.
Jaylen Warren listed as Steelers’ RB1 on team’s official depth chart
Jaylen Warren is listed as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting running back on the team’s official preseason depth chart.
This is notable because Kaleb Johnson, the 83rd-overall pick in this year’s draft, had been listed as the co-starter alongside Warren in the spring. At least for now, the rookie is listed as the RB3, behind Warren and veteran Kenneth Gainwell.
Warren has been underrated since entering the league in 2022, as evidenced by his advanced metrics. For his career, he’s averaging 3.38 yards after contact per attempt and has forced 106 missed tackles on 356 rushing attempts. His best season came in 2023, when his 78.5 PFF overall grade ranked 13th out of 59 qualifying running backs.
Other Training Camp Headlines:
