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NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggests that Rams RB Kyren Williams could be a “hold in” candidate
Throughout the offseason, there has been a lot of speculation on the contract status of Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams. Williams and the Rams have been in talks, but nothing has gotten done as the team reports to training camp on Tuesday. While both sides were initially far apart, they did get closer towards the end of OTAs. As Sean McVay noted, “We are getting closer to hopefully finding a conclusion to this.”
Until a deal is officially signed, nothing is certain on a Williams contract extension. At this time last year, it was quarterback Matthew Stafford with contract questions that got resolved at the 11th hour. Williams did report to camp on Tuesday, arriving on a scooter. However, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, he is a potential hold in candidate.
This appears to be more speculation than an actual report from Rapoport, but it is still something to monitor. Heading into training camp, there wasn’t any indication from Williams or his camp that he would hold out or ‘hold in” until a new contract was agreed on.
Still that doesn’t mean it won’t happen when the players officially hit the field on Wednesday.
It’s also worth wondering how much a “hold in” would be beneficial for Williams. With all of the competition and quality depth that the Rams have added at running back, a “hold in” doesn’t make sense. It’s at this point of the offseason that trust with the coaching staff begins to form. If Williams isn’t getting those snaps, those are valuable first-team reps for both Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter.
At this point, there is no guarantee that McVay utilizes a committee approach at the running back position. If Corum and Hunter get reps that they may not normally, that’s an opportunity that they may not have gotten otherwise.
The Williams contract situation has been one of the bigger storylines heading into training camp. Due to the lack of big play ability and fumbling issues in big spots, there have been questions on if the Rams should extend the starting running back at all. Again, the Rams will take the field for the first time on Wednesday and all eyes will be on Williams to see if he joins the rest of the team or “holds in” for a new deal.
