7 reasons why Rams should not rush into an extension for RB Kyren Williams

Measure twice. Cut once. The carpenter's adage can apply to many scenarios in life. But in the NFL, the statement is both profound and brutally simple. For the Los Angeles Rams, it's wise advice as the team aims to complete negotiations to extend running back Kyren Williams.

There is never a great time to extend a player. As you read this, the Los Angeles Rams are pondering how much to offer as a fair market extension to fantastic feature running back Kyren Williams. And yet, it's not that simple, is it? Some fans want a new deal to keep Kyren Williams in-house for years to come as quickly as possible. And why not? After the past two seasons, Williams has been a breath of fresh air among a stagnant offense that seems to be falling further and further behind other NFL teams' scoring points.

But as the team prepares to engage in the 2025 NFL Draft, the abundance of rookie running back talent and perhaps the chance to upgrade the position offer other options. Still, the Rams want to get Williams inked to a new deal. And that is happening:

But at what price? Ah, therein lies the rub. After all, Williams offers the Rams an ability to score abundantly and consistently. That's critical to a team that has set its sights on ending up in the NFL Playoffs at the end of this season. And yet, there is a need to be cautious and not overpay. The Rams have done so in the past.

The team relied far too heavily on Kyren Williams in 2024 and did not rely at all on rookie RB Blake Corum. In the end, Williams was the only running back who scored at all for the team. Worst of all, the team's other three running backs were no bigger, no stronger, and no faster than Williams. They were all simply less-experienced and less productive alternative versions of Williams.

And there is no obvious relief in sight.