Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have publicly expressed their desire to extend running back Kyren Williams’ contract this offseason. Williams for one is eager to get the deal done and get back to football;
“I hope that we can get that done, and I hope it doesn’t take away from all the other stuff that’s going on with the Rams, and we can get that over with and get back to focusing on ball.” Williams told Gary Klein of the LA Times”
This is the kind of language we have heard from the Rams brass in the past, but this hasn’t always materialized, most recently evidenced by the eventual trade of linebacker Ernest Jones just a few short months ago.
Jones had done plenty for the team to deserve a second contract. So has Kyren Williams.
He has demonstrated impressive rushing prowess during his time with the Rams, accumulating 2,443 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns over the past two seasons. This impressive output places him among the league’s elite running backs, trailing only Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley in total rushing yards during this period.
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The Rams have been the beneficiary of Williams’s tremendous output in large part because they spotted his significant talent late in the draft. As a 2022 fifth-round draft pick, Williams has made just under $3 million for his efforts so far.
Compare that to Barkley, who is set to make over 4 million in bonuses alone this season.
The Rams have said Williams’s contract is a priority, but it is far from the top of the heap. They will have to deal with Matthew Stafford, who will likely be seeking more money and years. In addition to that, they will have to work out something for Tyler Higbee, Jonah Jackson, and Alaric Jackson and find a solution at linebacker and wide receiver.
Kyren Williams Recognizes His Track Record and Potential For The Los Angeles Rams
This hasn’t dismayed the 24-year-old running back. He is ready to impress the Rams with what he calls his best offseason.
“I’m excited to go back, after three years of a body of work, to really know what I’m good at, where I need to get better and continue to keep working,” he said. “I think this is going to be my best offseason. … I’m going to go back to work and get my body right and come out next season on fire.”
In addition to that, he is confident that he can fill the leadership void that will be left once the team finds a suitable trade partner for Cooper Kupp.
“To be able to be that person Cooper was in the locker room for the young guys that are coming in,” he said.