Ronnie Rivers, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Ronnie Rivers #20 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Los Angeles Rams are still fleshing out their roster, with free agency still rolling ahead of the 2026 draft, and they have turned to a familiar face in Ronnie Rivers.
Rivers rejoins a deep backfield.
Rivers has spent the bulk of his career with the Rams. He has carved out a niche as a trusted special teamer. Rives has also contributed on offense when called upon, and now returns to reprise his role.
Rams Announce Deal With Ronnie Rivers
Ronnie Rivers, Los Angeles Rams
GettyRonnie Rivers #20 of the Los Angeles Rams smiles during warm-ups before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams announced the deal with Rivers in a post on X on March 25, saying they were “Running it back at the Rams House! [man running and dash emojis].”
News of the move spread quickly on social media.
“Rivers, 27, had become an unrestricted free agent after the one-year deal he signed last March expired at the start of the 2026 league year on March 11,” TheRams.com’s Stu Jackson wrote. “He played in 11 games in 2025, primarily contributing on special teams with 16 kick returns for 418 yards (26.1 per return). He also rushed nine times for 46 yards as the third running back in L.A.’s rotation.
“Rivers first entered the league as an undrafted free agent signing by the Rams in 2022 out of Fresno State and has spent all four of his NFL seasons with Los Angeles.”
The Castro Valley native began his career with the Arizona Cardinals.
Rivers also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason as a rookie before ultimately landing with the Rams. LA signed him to their practice squad during the regular season that year.
Rams Boast Deep Backfield
Ronnie Rivers, Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
GettyRonnie Rivers #20 and Blake Corum #22 of the Los Angeles Rams warm up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Along with Rivers, the Rams have starter Kyren Williams, recent draft picks Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter, and former UDFA Jordan Waters under contract. With free agency still going and the draft yet to come this offseason, that could change.
But Rivers’ role is as much a reflection on the talent in the Rams’ running back room as it is a referendum on him.
Hunter, whom the Rams selected in the fourth-round in 2025, played in five games.
He did not log a single carry or even snap on offense. The Rams leaned on Williams and Corum, whom they drafted in 2022 and 2024, respectively. There is reason to believe it will be the same next season, too.
Williams, a Pro Bowler in 2023, has posted three straight 1,000-plus-yard seasons. Corum posted a 145-746-6 line in his second NFL season.
Rivers will have difficulty cracking the Rams’ depth chart at running back.
He has 72 carries for 295 yards and 15 receptions for 85 yards in his career so far. A dual-threat skill set in the backfield is always in need. With his special teams contributions to boot, Rivers’ value to the Rams is clear.
Rams’ Decision Reflects on RB Market
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyKyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Buffalo Bills.
“From what we saw in free agency, plus what draft experts are saying about this class of 2026, reassuring to bring back a 4-deep RB room,” Rams announcer J.B. Long posted on X in reaction to Rivers’ return.
Kenneth Walker Jr. seemingly reset the market for backs, signing a three-year, $43 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.
LA’s four other backs cost $358,000 less combined in 2025 than Walker’s average salary.
Rivers’ new deal will change that. The Rams will still be paying five backs an amount comparable to what the Chiefs are paying Walker. Walker was a key to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory. He has also been less productive than Williams so far.