This Rams veteran is entering training camp with his job on the line

When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams and negotiating contracts for an extension, there is a right way, a wrong way, and the Rams way. The right way is to communicate clearly, allow time to pass, and have a true appreciation of both sides of the bargaining table. In essence, the Rams offense needs better ball security and more explosive play-making out of the entire running back room. Well, guess who has taken it upon himself to work on those matters?

Of course, there is the wrong way, as is perfectly illustrated by the challenges currently facing the Cincinnati Bengals and their star pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson. The two sides are deeply divided, as the Bengals are sticking to their guns with historic levels of guaranteed salary composition, which has become so frustrating for Hendrickson that he is currently in Jacksonville, Florida.

Of course, there is the matter of the Dallas Cowboys and their ongoing negotiation with star pass rusher Micah Parsons. That contract negotiation has taken some cringe-worthy turns lately. But in the end, Parson has shown up to training camp.

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RB Kyren Williams is choosing the Rams way

Of course, there is the Rams way. As often as I had pointed out the complexity of negotiating Williams' contract, his willingness to show up and play with his teammates while negotiations are ongoing is not lost on me. He is not overly dramatic, has not tried to embarrass the team or management, and has quietly gone about his part in attempting to address areas of increasing concern for the team.

And now, his agent Drew Rosenhaus will have an opportunity to hammer out an extension as training camp opens.

While everyone is about to sit down at the negotiating table, I don't know that automatically guarantees the Rams and Kyren Williams will reach an agreement instantly. The two sides have to understand that feeding Williams the football for 80 percent of the team's carries is no longer sustainable or acceptable.

The offense needs a healthy and rested Williams to ensure success in the post-season as well.

Let's not gloss over the situation in an attempt to play nicey-nice. If Williams is unwilling to share the load, this could quickly turn into a tale of RB Cam Akers, the guy who demanded a heavier workload twice, and was ultimately traded away in 2023. Since then, he has played for the Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans, then back to the Minnesota Vikings, and now with the New Orleans Saints.

He was the Rams featured running back in 2022

Rams veteran running back Kyren Williams is entering training camp with his job on the line. Not only must he show up better than ever. But he must allow contract negotiations to play out patiently. So far, I am extremely impressed at how this young man is handling himself and his business.

The Rams' rushing offense is stronger with Kyren Williams than without him. Hopefully, both sides can hammer out a deal that gives Williams financial security, but the team enough financial flexibility to allow other rushers to step up and contribute in a positive way in 2025 as well.

As always, thanks for reading.

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