WILLIAMS PENS THREE-YEAR EXTENSION WITH RAMS
After two seasons of quality running back play, Kyren Williams has earned a bumper deal which commits him long-term to the Los Angeles Rams.
Williams enjoyed his best season numbers-wise in 2024 — recording 316 carries (third highest amongst RBs) for 1,299 yards (seventh) and 14 rushing touchdowns (fifth) — developing into one of the few bell-cow half-backs in the NFL. Highlighting the 25-year-old’s productive campaign, Williams claimed a second consecutive appearance in the NFL Top 100 list, albeit ranking 85th, seven places down on 2023.
Williams’ three-year $33 million contract sees him rightfully compensated for a run game that would be considered a floor-raiser on any franchise’s offence. His $11m annually places him sixth amongst half-backs, ahead of the Minnesota Vikings’ Aaron Jones on $10m annually and James Connor’s $9.5m from the Arizona Cardinals.
Williams told the media that he shared ’tears of joy’ with his mom over the ‘phone just moments after finalising his new contract.
“I just want to thank the Lord and everybody who made this possible: [Rams owner} Mr. Kronke, Coach McVay, Les Snead, Matthew Sheeran, my agent Drew Rosenhaus, and I guess myself, my mom, my family, just for believing in me and allowing me to be able to live out my dream, be able to take care of my family and continue to keep playing ball and to continue to keep loving this game like I always have since I was a child.”
Sean McVay drafted Williams at pick 164 in the fifth round of the 2022 selection process and, with the extension now official, admitted that it was pleasing to seal the running back’s long-term future to the franchise.
“I love him,” McVay gushed. “He’s been one of those guys — and I’ve mentioned different players before — that are secure enough in themselves to challenge you because they love and care about you. And he knows I feel the same way; he’s an easy guy to root for.”
The Rams have made significant moves this offseason, including the signing of veteran wide receiver Davante Adams, as they aim for one final crescendo in quarterback Matthew Stafford’s career.
