The big story heading into Los Angeles Rams training camp was the ongoing contract negotiations with running back Kyren Williams. Williams is currently in the last year of his rookie contract, which is worth just under $4 million over four seasons.
Williams is not worried about that.
“I don’t know when it’s gonna get done. It’s gonna get done on, you know, God’s time for her for me right now. Is it to be present where my feet are at.”
Williams said he would be practicing and would even play on his current contract. “My one goal is to be able to keep putting on and keep taking care of the people that I love. And so, whether that’s played out a contract or whatever, and it’s a blessing at the end of the day. I’m still playing football.”
But Williams is adamant about one change he would like to see heading into the 2025 season. He wants to be a pass catcher.
“Me, personally, put me in the slot. Let me, let me go be a receiver.
Los Angeles Rams Training Camp: “Put Me In The Slot”
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This isn’t a new request. Heading into last season Kyren wanted the same thing. He told Rich Eisen, “I’m super excited that we went to go draft Blake Corum. Somebody who can run the ball very well. Hopefully that will allow me to get to the slot or allows me to just run routes out of the backfield, so that I’m able to really showcase my skills in the game.”
There seems to be a disconnect between the team and Kyren on this topic. Williams’ usage was first among all running backs in terms of snap count. He had the third most rushing attempts and was by far the most used back in pass protection. His 179 snaps as a pass blocker were far and away the most in the league, 69 more than the next most.
Williams was targeted 42 times, good for 30th among running backs, and lined up 22 times in the slot over his 18 games. He was targeted just once on those snaps and picked up just 5 yards.
In his junior year at Notre Dame (2021), Williams had a career-high 42 receptions for 359 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. This was part of a season where he also rushed for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns
The big problem might actually be the team’s reliance on Williams as a blocker. Perhaps with Coleman Shelton back in the mix at center will allow him more opportunities to get out of the pocket. Maybe McVay will introduce more two-back sets, utilizing Courm or rookie addition Jarquez Hunter in pass pro.
It will be something to watch over the next two weeks of Rams Training Camp.
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