Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is entering the final year of his rookie deal with confidence — even as outside voices, like The Athletic’s Jake Ciely, predict a potential shake-up in the backfield.
“Death. Taxes. The Rams draft running backs,” Ciely writes, noting L.A.’s additions of Blake Corum (2024) and Jarquez Hunter (2025). While Williams has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard, double-digit touchdown seasons — including a career-best 1,299 yards and 14 scores in 2023 — Ciely points to inefficiency as a potential red flag. Williams ranked 35th out of 37 backs with 150+ touches in yards per touch (4.2), trailing only Kareem Hunt and Rhamondre Stevenson. His 4.1 yards per carry tied Joe Mixon and lagged just behind Breece Hall and Alvin Kamara, suggesting his value hinges on volume rather than elite efficiency.
Kyren Williams Eyes Extension While Los Angeles Rams Running Back Depth Faces Shake-Up
Still, Ciely doesn’t expect Williams to lose his job early. “If Williams falters… McVay could pull the plug, as he has done before with Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson,” he writes. “But I don’t believe Williams is at risk from Day 1.”
That matters, especially with contract negotiations ongoing. “I know with time it’s going to happen,” Williams told the L.A. Times. “Whether it happens now or I play out the season, I know it’s going to happen eventually.”
Williams is betting on himself — and so far, it’s hard to argue with the results. His projected market value sits at $31 million over three years, according to Spotrac, similar to Josh Jacobs and David Montgomery. Yet the Rams’ track record suggests caution: only five players drafted since Sean McVay’s arrival have signed second contracts.
As the Rams gear up for a playoff push, they may need to decide soon: extend one of the league’s most productive backs — or risk repeating past mistakes.
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