Turf Show Times
The 2026 backfield of the Los Angeles Rams could easily be the most split we’ve seen in the Sean McVay era:
Season Primary Running Back Share of Total RB Carries 2017 Todd Gurley 78% 2018 Todd Gurley 69% 2019 Todd Gurley 75% 2023 Kyren Williams 73% 2024 Kyren Williams 76% 2025 Kyren Williams 54% Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are effectively co-starters. Williams accumulated 1,252 yards in 2025. Corum enjoyed a breakout year and rushed for 746 yards. The duo fell just two pennies short of 2,000 total yards.
The split could further approach 50/50 in 2026. Corum at times looked like the more explosive back, which is something the Rams desperately need out of the running game.
But if Williams and Corum are truly 1A and 1B players and mostly interchangeable, it’s sort of a problem that LA is paying Williams $11.65M while Corum is slated to make a fraction of that at 1.57M.
Williams is on the first year of his recent extension. Corum has two years left on his rookie deal.
Part of the imbalance is the fact that the Rams historically do not invest in running backs following the Todd Gurley contract disaster. It seemed they had learned their lesson. Instead they are now paying a “co-starter” seven-and-a-half times more than the other lead back.
It’s unlikely that Corum could unseat Williams as the long-term starter. He’s only affordable through 2027. It’s also unlikely that Williams will be on the Rams after 2027 as well. LA can cut Williams in 2028 with full relief in terms of salary cap savings. It could come down to either a new contract or moving on.
Year Cap Hit Dead Cap if Cut Cap Savings if Cut 2026 $11.65M $13.95M None (dead cap exceeds hit) 2027 ⭐ $10.0M $2.3M $10M 2028 $10.45M $0 Full relief ⭐ Natural breaking point: the 2027 offseason is the first year the Rams can move on with minimal dead money ($10M in savings).
The future is likely a third, unknown option.
It’s a positive that Williams and Corum have both brought stability to the Los Angeles backfield. The duo could be short-lived based on the nature, market, and value of the running back position.
