Rams' trade up for Jarquez Hunter puts Kyren Williams on financial notice

The Los Angeles Rams might have one of the best running backs in the land suiting up for them in Kyren Williams, but that doesn't mean that he is locked in as a member of this organization in the long-term future. In fact, the Rams may have added someone who can apply some pressure.

With the No. 117 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Rams selected Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter despite concerns about his overall explosiveness. Sean McVay was enticed by his power between the tackles, consistently against elite competition, and smooth tackle-breaking skill.

While the plan is still to obviously lean Williams as the starting running back with Hunter as one of the backups, this selection may have been a sneaky way for Les Snead and the front office to send Williams a very coded message as the idea of him getting an extension becomes reality.

With a replacement in Hunter possibly waiting in the wings, the Rams might be telling Williams that it's not worth it to demand a huge contract that eatsinto this team's financial flexibility. If he does, Williams could be discarded in favor of Hunter.

Rams send Kyren Williams a message with Jarquez Hunter pick

Williams has amassed at least 1,350 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. The team should try everything in their power to keep Williams long-term, but they now have a fallback option in case he starts to demand more than what LA wants to pay.

Both McVay and Kyle Shanahan, with whom his offensive scheme is inexorably tied, have shown that they can and will move off high-priced running backs in the past and restart the clock with a younger player. Williams is amazing, but he is not in that irreplaceable Saquon Barkley tier where the Rams are locking him in.

The Rams can't afford to pay everyone if they want to keep their chances of contending for a Super Bowl together. Williams could be a big part of their attempt to make it back to the big dance, but Hunter is there to remind him not to be greedy.