Kyren Williams has been one of the most reliable running backs in the NFL the past couple seasons for the Los Angeles Rams.
But he plays the position that is currently the most fickle as far as its perceived value across the league. Even after a great season for RBs, teams are still hesitant to pay them.
Williams will play the final year of his rookie deal in 2025. He’s due for an extension.
Will he get one, though?
SI’s Brock Vierra recently suggested the Rams may let Williams walk after the season.
Vierra’s logic centers around the draft selection of promising running back Jarquez Hunter out of Auburn.
“While the Rams have explored extension talks with Williams, they did just draft Jarquez Hunter, and if Hunter proves to be the real deal, considering what happened after Todd Gurley’s extension, the Rams may be cautious to shell out money on a running back,” Vierra writes.
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It is true that the Rams shelled out a lot of money to Gurley for very little, but each case is different.
Williams ran for 1,144 yards in 12 games in 2023, then 1,299 yards in 16 games last season.
He has a combined 26 rushing TDs across the past two campaigns.
Maybe the Rams are just using all his carries up and will let him get away.
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But it’s also tough to imagine giving up on a guy who has run the ball more than 19 times per game across 2023-24.
That’s just the nature of running back these days, though. Teams often try to keep the cheapest ones around.
It could mean Williams wears new colors in 2026, after what will likely be another standout season for the Rams this fall.
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