Extending Kyren Williams: Rams Should Take A Deep Pause

[GlendoraRam]

As the Los Angeles Rams navigate the 2025 offseason, one of the most pressing decisions facing head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead is the future of running back Kyren Williams. The 24-year-old, entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, has emerged as a cornerstone of the Rams’ offense, racking up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2023. With 2,582 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns over three years, Williams has proven his value. Both McVay and Snead have publicly expressed interest in discussing a contract extension, and Williams himself has voiced a desire to stay in Los Angeles long-term. Yet, despite his production and popularity, there are compelling reasons why the Rams should not rush to extend his contract just yet. From financial prudence to performance concerns and roster strategy, delaying this decision could serve the team’s best interests.
https://www.laramsnews.com/extending-kyren-williams/

[Rampager66]

Bet his agent wants the deal now more than anyone else. ;)
I think the article is bang on and makes a solid case for the wait and see approach... Tag him if you must next year and see what happens.

[Cornell29]

Rams should want to extend KW now. No issue with that. This will provide the Rams a opportunity to see what KW wants. With that said the Rams should have a fair set price for rbs that do not have break away speed and is a bit beat up. If KW wants more then that, then the Rams should say no. Either let KW play out the last year of his deal and revisit the talks next offseason or trade KW now (for a 2nd round pick) and find his replacement in this upcoming draft.

[49RH8R]

We may risk paying a little more next year but let's see what Corum can do. We also have the draft and Shrader and Rivers. I like KW but if the other backs are comparable, especially Corum, we could save $10-$12 mil a year. We could get a really good back with one of our four 6th round picks.

[Slickjack]

There are some real studs RBS in this draft, Rams need to know now if he is going to be reasonable. Although Corum showed some glimmers while he was in there, let's not forget that the offense was decisively worse when Kyren wasn't in there.

[grackler]

I'm surprised that no-one here has mentioned another reason to be hesitant about re-upping
Williams for more $$$......specifically, IMO, the guy just cannot be relied upon NOT to fumble in critical situations. For example we almost lost that playoff game to Tampa a couple of years ago because Williams fumbled away the opportunity too bury that team in the first half and his fumble against Philly during this year's payoff game likely DID cost us the game.

[Claremontram]

The fumbles are a real cause for concern; every DB/LB in the league will be testing his ability to hold the ball. Good RBs can be had in the draft for Rookie salaries.

[ocram23]

starting to be of the opinion of not paying RB's big money. you can always go into the draft and get good players that do not kill your cap.

[RonMac]

Spot on - this group of RBslisted as very deep - Rams can get a bigger faster cheaper RB who can hold on to the rock. However, Ram HC/ FA love Williams .

[bigklein]

This should be a year to show that the fumbling issue is in the past.

[49RH8R]

I'm surprised that no-one here has mentioned another reason to be hesitant about re-upping
Williams for more $$$......specifically, IMO, the guy just cannot be relied upon NOT to fumble in critical situations. For example we almost lost that playoff game to Tampa a couple of years ago because Williams fumbled away the opportunity too bury that team in the first half and his fumble against Philly during this year's payoff game likely DID cost us the game.

That was Cam Akers.

[Jacksnow]

Didnt we learn from Gurley?

But Gurley was known damaged goods. I don't think Williams has any outstanding injuries except for fumbleitis.

[Jacksnow]

I'm surprised that no-one here has mentioned another reason to be hesitant about re-upping
Williams for more $$$......specifically, IMO, the guy just cannot be relied upon NOT to fumble in critical situations. For example we almost lost that playoff game to Tampa a couple of years ago because Williams fumbled away the opportunity too bury that team in the first half and his fumble against Philly during this year's payoff game likely DID cost us the game.

Agree the issue with fumbling is a negative for expensive long term contract. Love the guy, but must improve.

[grackler]

I'm surprised that no-one here has mentioned another reason to be hesitant about re-upping
Williams for more $$$......specifically, IMO, the guy just cannot be relied upon NOT to fumble in critical situations. For example we almost lost that playoff game to Tampa a couple of years ago because Williams fumbled away the opportunity too bury that team in the first half and his fumble against Philly during this year's payoff game likely DID cost us the game.

That was Cam Akers.

'Jack....I stand corrected...you're absolutely correct: The fumble vs the Bucs that I was thinking of was by Akers, not Williams.

However, I think if you check, you'll find that Willams is indeed seriously turnover-prone (eight fumbles from '23-'24 [tied for the worst in the league with three other backs]) and his turnover vs Philly this year might well have cost us a road playoff victory.
(see: https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/what-r ... 23-to-2024 )

[49RH8R]

That was Cam Akers.

'Jack....I stand corrected...you're absolutely correct: The fumble vs the Bucs that I was thinking of was by Akers, not Williams.

However, I think if you check, you'll find that Willams is indeed seriously turnover-prone (eight fumbles from '23-'24 [tied for the worst in the league with three other backs]) and his turnover vs Philly this year might well have cost us a road playoff victory.
(see: https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/what-r ... 23-to-2024 )

Yeah, no doubt. That fumble in Philly definitely hurt us. You just can't do that on the road in the playoffs against a good team. I think that will be a huge emphasis for KW in the offseason.