Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is currently one of the biggest names set to hit free agency in 2026. A fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Notre Dame product hardly saw the field as a rookie before earning a massive workload in 2023.
Earning the starting job, Williams finished his second season in the league with 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 carries while earning a spot on the Pro Bowl roster. He proved that wasn’t a fluke in 2024, finishing the season with 1,299 yards and 15 touchdowns on 316 attempts despite the addition of third-round pick Blake Corum.
While no deal is official, Kyren Williams seems to believe he will receive a contract extension before long.
“I know it’s going to happen,” Williams said, via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “I would love for it to get done so I can take care of my family and the loves ones that helped me get here…Whether it happens now or I play out the season, I know it’s going to happen eventually.”
Kyren Williams Contract
Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Kyren Williams: Rams Contract Extension “Will Happen Eventually”
Players rarely speak this openly about a potential extension before a deal occurs, and Williams’ language suggests he’s close to signing that life-changing extension. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, as Williams has been nothing but reliable since earning the starting job, and head coach Sean McVay believes in the benefits of a reliable starting running back.
Blake Corum had a chance to compete for a larger role last year, but the Michigan product had a disappointing rookie season. Appearing in all 17 games, Corum finished his inaugural season with just 207 yards and no touchdowns on 58 attempts (3.6 yards per carry). Perhaps he can improve in Year 2, but it’s hard to see him seriously challenging Williams for the long-term starting job.
Seeing as Los Angeles only added fifth-round pick Jarquez Hunter to the backfield, it’s safe to say Kyren Williams is firmly entrenched as the Rams starter in 2025, and he could have the job for years on end if and when he receives that contract extension.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – Imagn Images