The Los Angeles Rams and running back Kyren Williams have been in offseason talks about a contract extension, and while there’s still time to get a deal done before Week 1, it’s unlikely the team will offer a top-of-the-market payday.
Despite past experience handing out a massive deal to Todd Gurley in 2018—a $57.5 million contract that backfired due to injuries and declining performance—the Rams, under GM Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay, appear cautious about making a similar financial commitment again.
According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, the Rams do not intend to reset the running back market. Star backs like Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Derrick Henry each earn over $15 million per year, but Los Angeles doesn’t see that kind of money as necessary to retain Williams, even though the 24-year-old is expected to receive a significant pay bump.
Both the team and Williams remain confident that an agreement will be reached this offseason. McVay mentioned progress in talks back in May, and Williams participated fully in spring practices—an encouraging sign that both sides are aligned. A new deal could realistically be finalized around the start of training camp later this month.
Williams is coming off a breakout 2023 season where he led the league in average rushing yards per game, totaled 1,299 yards on the ground, and scored 16 touchdowns—good enough for Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. While his production rose with more carries, a slight drop in efficiency and ball security issues could impact his bargaining power. Even so, he still has a shot at joining the group of seven NFL running backs currently making eight figures annually. Whether the deal gets done before camp remains to be seen.