It’s that time of year again for the Los Angeles Rams. While the players are mentally gearing up for training camp at the end of the month, their agents are hard at work, hoping to nail down deals and break headlines.
One player in desperate need of a new deal is Kyren Williams, as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. Here’s a look at why the Los Angeles Rams need to fork over the dough before the start of training camp.
Recent History Has Punished Teams That Refuse To Pay Up
As a running back in the modern NFL, the case not to pay running backs is obvious to some. Running backs age faster than any other position group, putting the risk mostly on the team, they say.
However, not paying running backs has hurt some teams drastically. Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Derrick Henry are three clear examples of players who saw their former teams implode without them.
The Tennessee Titans ended up with the first overall pick without Henry, Jacobs’ Raiders finished last in the AFC West in 2024, and Barkley’s Giants went 3-14.
Of course, while the Los Angeles Rams are likely better equipped to avoid a similar fate, they could still suffer a hit that could have been avoided.
Kyren Williams’ RB Coach Is Impressed With the Back
No one sees Williams more than his running back coach, Ron Gould. Speaking to Rams media on July 8, Gould expressed a glowing impression of the “exceptional shape” that Williams is in heading into training camp. He also saw Williams as a leader.
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“You talk about leadership, that’s what that’s all about,” Gould said, “So he’s done a great job of uniting the guys, bringing everybody together, and making sure that we all stay on the same page.”
Leaders get paid. Additionally, if they believe he’s in exceptional shape, then the contract should also be in exceptional shape. The Rams are currently getting a great deal, but if the sentiment about Williams is dripping with positivity, it should then also be dripping with dollar signs.
Waiting on Williams Could Cost The Los Angeles Rams More Later
Of course, it isn’t just a question of whether the Rams pay him, but also when. If the Rams dilly-dally on Williams into the 2025 season, they risk him shutting down all talks. If that happens, the Rams will be forced to choose between using a franchise tag or letting him test free agency. If they use the franchise tag on him, that means they won’t be able to use it on someone else.
Plus, if Williams delivers in a contract year, his asking price will go up, costing the Rams more in the long run. At this stage, the Rams should save money by signing him before the season, especially after seeing him in action already.
Williams has delivered two impressive seasons in 2023 and 2024. Williams delivering a third would show the entire league that he’s on the short list of some of the best backs in the league, raising his market even further.