The Los Angeles Rams achieved a significant milestone by signing Kyren Williams to a new contract extension earlier this week. Williams, 24, has agreed to a deal commencing in 2026 and running through the 2028 season, ensuring his position as the team’s lead running back. The extension is reported to be worth $33 million, with $23 million guaranteed over the three-year period.
Although the contract negotiations took longer than anticipated, Williams remained patient and optimistic about reaching an agreement. With this deal, he now ranks as the seventh-highest paid running back in the NFL, trailing only Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, Alvin Kamara, and Josh Jacobs.
The Impact of Sean McVay’s Encouragement
Williams openly credited Rams head coach Sean McVay for providing ongoing support throughout his career, especially during difficult moments. After suffering a foot injury during the 2022 Organized Team Activities (OTAs), McVay maintained contact to boost Williams’ morale. Williams shared the emotional impact of McVay’s encouragement, saying,
“He’s always instilled that confidence in me that I was going to continue to be the player that I hope to be, and he’s done that since… I broke my foot (in 2022 OTAs). I remember him texting me in that hotel room telling me that I’m going to be okay, I’m going to be better. I just remember sitting in that bed, and I started crying because this means so much to me.” —Kyren Williams, Rams running back
This ongoing reassurance helped Williams maintain a positive mindset, which was crucial during his recovery period and subsequent return to the field.
A Fair Deal for Both Williams and the Rams
The new contract is seen as a balanced agreement benefiting both the player and the team. Williams receives a salary reflective of his contributions without causing a sharp increase in the running back market, allowing the Rams some financial stability. Over the past two seasons, Williams has achieved at least 1,100 rushing yards annually and scored 31 touchdowns, placing him among the league’s top performers since becoming the Rams’ starting running back.
Williams is expected to serve as the Rams’ primary offensive weapon again in the 2025 season. However, the team also has promising depth at the running back position, with Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter ready to share carries and contribute meaningfully.
After dedicating this offseason to improving his ball security and explosiveness, Williams may be positioned for a breakout year, provided he remains healthy throughout the season.
Williams Reflects on His Journey to a Contract Extension
Speaking publicly for the first time since finalizing the deal, Kyren Williams expressed how much the extension means to him, emphasizing the years of hard work that led to this achievement. He described the moment as surreal, saying,
“This whole day is kind of surreal, I’ll never forget this day, but this is the day that I kind of worked for my whole life. I knew I was going to be here. I didn’t know when. I didn’t know how. I didn’t know what the outcome was going to be, but I’m here. And so I just want to say thank you to everybody that played a part in making it happen.” —Kyren Williams, Rams running back
His gratitude highlights the perseverance and focus required to reach this milestone in his professional football career.
What This Means for the Rams’ Future
Locking in Kyren Williams through 2028 provides the Rams with a reliable and dynamic running back option for the coming years. With his proven ability to gain yardage and find the end zone, Williams’ presence strengthens the team’s offensive strategy as they look to maintain competitiveness. The support from head coach Sean McVay and the surrounding depth in the backfield position the Rams well for sustained success.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Williams to see if his offseason improvements translate into a career-best performance while helping the Rams contend in a challenging NFL landscape.