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.