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The Rams hope to get a deal done with Kyren Williams soon
Kyren Williams is one of the only loose ends left as the Los Angeles Rams head into training camp this week, but head coach Sean McVay told reporters that the team hopes to get something done with the running back’s contract as soon as Tuesday. McVay says that the Rams are meeting with Drew Rosenhaus, the agent negotiating an extension for Williams, on Tuesday and that falls in line with reports all offseason long that L.A. would like to get something done this year to keep him on the team long-term.
Williams has rushed for 2,582 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons, with the vast majority of those yards coming in the past two years alone. An extension that is fair to Williams could fall in line with the $14 million per year that Jonathan Taylor got from the Indianapolis Colts in 2023.
A fifth round pick in 2022, Williams was only the 15th running back off of the board in his own draft class. And despite only gaining 139 yards in his rookie season, Williams is already second in his class in career rushing yards (a hair behind second rounder James Cook) and first in rushing touchdowns. His 464 receiving yards is not fantastic, but it is more than adequate.
Williams has rushed for more yards than class mates Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, and Brian Robinson.
Given that Derrick Henry just signed a contract that pays him $15 million per season even though he continues to be one of the best running backs in the league, Williams probably won’t approach the $19-$20 million per year that Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey are getting on their current deals. Williams is far more likely to ask for money that compares to Taylor or Josh Jacobs, who is making $12 million per season with the Green Bay Packers on a deal signed in 2024.
If Williams is asking for $14 million per season or more, that could be what creates a holdup in getting a deal done this week.
If Williams is willing to accept $13-$14 million per season and the Rams are offering that much, then the extension should get done and Williams should be motivated to get it done. Given that he was a fifth round pick, the possibility of getting a $11-$13 million signing bonus is truly life-changing money. Williams isn’t broke by any means, but he hasn’t pocketed anything close to $12 million in his first three seasons despite being one of the league’s leading rushers.
It is rare for any running back to make enough money to support their families for the rest of their lives, but Williams has an opportunity this week to do that.
However, if Williams views himself as an elite running back then maybe he does try to push for $15 million or more. He was one of the league’s leading rushers in 2024 and could bet on himself if...
