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

VII - Deja Vu to ILB Ernest Jones rumors

The Los Angeles Rams hinted at an imminent extension of then-starting inside linebacker Ernest Jones in the spring of 2024. However, the euphoria from Jones on social media was quickly deleted, as the team determined to wait for the final season of Ernest Jones' rookie contract to conclude before entering into any extension talks.

By the time the 2024 NFL season arrived, the team had traded Jones for a bag of pretzels and opened the season with an unlikely pairing of ILBs Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder starting in the middle of the defense.

The same scenario is emerging as the Rams sit down to settle up with Williams for a contract extension. The thing is, the team enters negotiations firmly entrenched with the amount it is willing to pay. And if the response is anything less than willing to work with that amount, negotiations can erode quickly. If the Rams hope to sign Williams to a team-friendly amount by extending him early, Williams may not be willing to give the home team a discount.

The Rams pivoted from extending Ernest Jones to trading him away. The team should not push to make a deal now if the path to a Kyren Williams extension takes a similar direction.

VI - Are younger, hungrier RBs the Plan B to big Kyren Williams payday?

If the Los Angeles Rams take the economical option, the team could add a rookie running back with one of their first four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and land a very talented and economical option as a Plan B to cutting a hefty payroll check to Kyren Williams. After all, what do you suppose this team can do with $12 million more per year to spend on players? That is the conservative estimate of savings if the team simply rides Kyren Williams in his final season, while pivoting to a young RB drafted this year.

Of course, there is still RB Blake Corum who needs more carries as well

The Rams have four young running backs, all of whom are competing on their rookie contract. But there are so many very talented running backs up for grabs in the 2025 NFL Draft. I'm not sure that the team is wise not to add a running back. After all, the team has mini-camps, training camp, and preseason to work out the hierarchy of a depth chart.

It would be nice to expand the tight profile requirements for the running back position. Perhaps the time is right for the Rams to consider a bigger running back who brings power and authority to the position. After all, physicality is a direction that the team is pursuing.

And then, there is the new interest in putting speed and explosiveness into the offense as well.