NFL analyst questions if underrated player is in the future plans of the Los Angeles Rams past the 2025 season
The Los Angeles Rams appear to be all-in on a Super Bowl run in 2025, but they do have question marks within their roster past this upcoming season. The biggest being whether or not running back Kyren Williams will remain with the team long-term. Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and […]
The Los Angeles Rams appear to be all-in on a Super Bowl run in 2025, but they do have question marks within their roster past this upcoming season.
The biggest being whether or not running back Kyren Williams will remain with the team long-term. Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and will be one of the top players on the free agent market in 2026 if the Rams don't lock him up.
NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha posed one burning question for each team heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, and he is wondering if Williams factors into Los Angeles' future plans, as well as what type of contract he will command.
"Rams GM Les Snead told reporters at the Annual League Meeting that there should be no confusion about how the Rams feel about their standout running back. They want Williams, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, to stick around Los Angeles for a long time. That really is the trick with all running backs who don’t have last names like Barkley, Henry or McCaffrey. Williams is easily the most underrated runner in the league, as he’s rushed for 2,443 yards and 26 touchdowns over the last two seasons. The question both parties need to answer is how that equates to value. Even as we’re seeing a renaissance for running backs, it’s also true that each back’s worth comes down to individual situations. Williams isn’t in the same class as Saquon Barkley, whose new deal equates to an average annual salary of $20.6 million. However, it’s easy to see him having value somewhere between Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs ($12 million annually) and Houston’s Joe Mixon ($9.875 million). – NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha
What the Rams do during the draft could be telling. If they select a running back with one of their early selections, it could signal that them and Williams are far apart on contract negotiations. L.A. may want to stay young and cheap at the position and allow Williams to walk after the 2025 season.
On the flip side, there is still plenty of time for the two sides to come together on a long-term deal. With the recent resurgence of rushing attacks in the NFL, letting Williams go would be risky. Williams was a Second-Team All-Pro in 2023, and topped his rushing yardage and touchdown total from that year during the 2024 season.
Los Angeles Rams are set to meet with one of the best athletes in the entire 2025 NFL Draft for a top-30 visit
Would be a fantastic project player.
