Kyren Williams extension sets Rans up perfectly for post Matthew Stafford era

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Rams signed running back Kyren Williams to a three-year extension worth $33 million. Entering his fourth season in the NFL, the Pro Bowl running back is coming off the best season of his career, rushing for 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also adding 34 receptions for 182 yards and two additional touchdowns.

This contract now secures Williams to a young Rams’ core that also includes Puka Nacua and dominant defenders like Jared Verse. With Sean McVay still running things, and Los Angeles set up with young talent on both sides of the ball, the franchise could continue to contend for years to come.

The one problem in that equation is that the Rams have an older quarterback who’s near the end of his career. With Matthew Stafford aging, and dealing with injuries, the team has been honest about the reality of a post-Stafford world being in the near future. However, the Rams have been getting prepared, not by finding Stafford’s replacement, but by building the ideal set of circumstances for the replacement to inherit.

Rams continue to build the perfect team for a young quarterback to inherit

Its unclear when exactly Stafford will call it a career, and who Los Angeles will turn to as his successor. Of course, there have been theories about a master plan to land Arch Manning, or possibly trading for Shedeur Sanders since the Cleveland Browns don’t seem to know what they’re doing with him, but every plan about the future at quarterback for the Rams has just been speculation. The only clear plan Los Angeles has is building the best team possible for the next quarterback to step into.

The Rams have a good defense, and considering the ages of the best players, the unit should only be getting better. Additionally, on offense, L.A. has a good offensive line, a really good rushing attack, and elite pass catchers. That’s why fans are hoping Stafford’s injury isn’t serious, because the team can contend with him under center.

That’s also why fans are confident McVay and Les Snead will keep the train rolling after Stafford because they have proven they know how to build a good team. The ultimate next step will just be finding the quarterback of the future.

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