Despite ongoing negotiations, Rams RB Kyren Williams rolls into training camp

The Los Angeles Rams are queuing up for a new season, and postseason participation is certainly on the menu. One of the key contributors to the team's success this season is running back Kyren Williams. Much like wide receiver Puka Nacua, Williams is one of the Day 3 wonders of this offense, a young man who was selected in Round 5 of the 2022 NFL Draft, but who has since shown up like a Round 1 player.

Williams is entering the fourth and final season of his rookie career. While he is eligible for an extension, the Rams and the player have continued to report progress. But even from a distance, we know that this contract is quite complex. For two seasons, Williams has been the bell cow of the ground game, the running back who gets the lion's share of the carries and scoring opportunities.

All the while, the Rams' rushing offense has regressed. In 2025, the Rams have several options to consider deploying to snap the rushing offense out of its malaise. But trying to write a contract that encompasses so much volatility has slowed down the process immensely.

The contract will get done. The Rams are confident that an extension will happen. And as Kyren Williams reports to training camp, he appears to be confident as well.

This is a wise strategy. If Williams tries to force the Rams' hand by not participating in training camp, he is simply giving his teammates a strong beachhead to replace him when the season begins. The Rams running back room is bursting with talent right now, so any refusal to show up and suit up will almost certainly backfire.

Williams regressed in 2024. He was less effective running the ball, had more frequent fumbles, and struggled to generate explosive runs of 20+ yards. The Rams would love to see all of those punch list items corrected before signing on the dotted line.

And to be honest, so would I. As always, thanks for reading.

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