LOS ANGELES — Kyren Williams, the running back for the Los Angeles Rams, recently signed a three-year contract extension worth $33 million, with $23 million guaranteed. This comes as no surprise, as just weeks ago, Williams expressed his desire to stay with the team. He made it clear during training camp that he was committed and wouldn’t hold out from practice.
“I want to play for the Rams,” he said. “That’s who I want to be with.”
Williams has been the Rams’ lead running back since early in the 2023 season. In fact, he accounted for 43% of the team’s total touches last season, the highest rate in the NFL. Over the past two years, he has scored 31 scrimmage touchdowns, putting him at the top alongside Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. His rushing yard total of 2,443 is impressive, ranking him third, behind star players Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley.
Williams’s new deal places him among the top earners at his position, with the seventh-highest average annual salary for running backs. This shows how much the Rams value his skills and performance on the field.
In recent years, the NFL has seen a shift in how teams approach running backs, with many opting for younger, cheaper talent. Williams’s success reflects his unique ability to stand out despite this trend. His determination and hard work have made him a key player for the Rams.
As sports analyst Chris Simms noted, “When you have a running back like Williams who can do it all—run, catch, and block—you pay them.”
Williams’s journey from a fifth-round pick in 2022 to a significant contract extension is a story of resilience and success. It’s a reminder that with hard work and focus, players can rise to new heights in the competitive world of professional sports.
For more information on NFL contracts and player statistics, you can check out ESPN’s detailed reports here.
