The State of Contract Negotiations With Kyren Williams

[GlendoraRam]

Kyren Williams is in the final year of his four-year, $3.9 million rookie contract, set to become a free agent in 2026 if no extension is reached. Talks between the Rams and Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, began earlier this offseason, but progress has been slow. Reports from April 2025 indicated that the two sides were “pretty far apart” in negotiations. However, recent updates suggest a more optimistic outlook.
Read More: https://www.theramsnews.com/negotiation ... -williams/

[Jacksnow]

Does anyone know what he is asking for$$$$?

[Cornell29]

Les isn't afraid to overpay, so if it's too much for Les, then KW is asking for way too much.

[GlendoraRam]

Does anyone know what he is asking for$$$$?

From what I have read, he is seeking 9-12mil per year.

[DVA_ram33]

I’d be reluctant to give him a big contract… too many key fumbles

[Jacksnow]

Does anyone know what he is asking for$$$$?

From what I have read, he is seeking 9-12mil per year.

Just to compare and contrast top 10 running back salaries. How much Kyren deserves? Let's say he wants 10 million. That would put him at top 6th or 7th highest paid RB in league.

NFL's highest-paid running backs in 2025 (average salary per year):
1. Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley: $20.6 million

2. San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey: $16 million

3. Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor: $14 million

4. New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara: $12.3 million

5. Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs: $12 million

6. Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones: $10 million

7. Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon: $9.9 million

8. Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner: $9.5 million

9. Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery: $9.1 million

10. New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson: $9 million

[GlendoraRam]

In my opinion, he is not worth being in that range.

[GlendoraRam]

Also, Snead has shown he is not reluctant to move players if they can’t work out a contract.
He *could* be traded if his asking price is too high.

[49RH8R]

I'd wait and see how Corum and Hunter play this year. If they both look good I'd let KW walk. I love the guy but it's business and we could save $10 mil a year.

Sidebar, I was thinking what the Rams would be like with a true elite RB like Bijan Robinson, Saquan, or Jahmyr Gibbs. Imagine what the Philly playoff game would have looked like if we signed Barkley instead of the Eagles.

[Jacksnow]

In my opinion, he is not worth being in that range.

Yes I agree. I love me some kyren, but fumble issue is concerning. Maybe salary (not top 10 dollars) plus incentives would be palatable.

[DelMar]

Im just wondering now, will Williams be our new NoteDoom... where we just re-sign him and give him bigger money year after year...

Talk about a football boondoggle. IF we are forced to sign him, I say 2 years (3rd option) for two turn tables and microphone.

WHY DO we seem to extend our guys way too early... (haven't we learned from Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Bobby Woods, Kupp, and L. Floyd. My goodness) .... We already have insurance on this, as we need to leverage this w Kyren. With Blake Corum (in year two) and Jarquez Hunter (rookie). I personally think Hunter is much better than some think he is. See video below.

[Jacksnow]

Im just wondering now, will Williams be our new NoteDoom... where we just re-sign him and give him bigger money year after year...

Talk about a football boondoggle. IF we are forced to sign him, I say 2 years (3rd option) for two turn tables and microphone.

WHY DO we seem to extend our guys way too early... (haven't we learned from Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Bobby Woods, Kupp, and L. Floyd. My goodness) .... We already have insurance on this, as we need to leverage this w Kyren. With Blake Corum (in year two) and Jarquez Hunter (rookie). I personally think Hunter is much better than some think he is. See video below.

Great break away speed. Looks small? He had some huge holes to run through. Good o line?

[Rampager66]

Maybe they let KW walk and continue to start RB's with team friendly contracts. They haven't paid a RB since Gurley. Whens the last time a Ram RB went house on a 60+ run?

[GlendoraRam]

[GlendoraRam]

Hunter is not small.

[GlendoraRam]

Pulled this off the draft network.
“ A three-year extension worth $46.5 million would pay Williams $15.5 million per campaign, positioning him well ahead of Taylor's $14 million.”
And
“ Williams and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, reportedly seek a deal exceeding $14 million per year, while the Rams’ valuation is lower, per The Athletic’s Jordan Rodrigue.”

I would not extend Williams with these numbers.

[malibu]

Here's my take KW has WAAAY out performed his contract. He is a 100% stone wall as a blocker and has gone over 1000 yards 2 years in a row. You can tell he is a Ram through and through. Sad to see him being treated like he was useful up to now and not after.

That being said the fumbles, the long speed and injuries to me warrant consideration. I would offer him a 8-10m contract for 3 years rewarding him but taking it to account the downside issues. This way we don't break the bank like Gurley and keep a guarantee in the backfield. Hunter nor Corum is proven so pay Kyren. If he wants the 14m more a poster said he can walk and get that somewhere else and he'll be fine.

[Claremontram]

Fumbles loom big in my mind; decent RBs can be found in the draft. KW is not Barkley and can be replaced.

Let's see how our young RBs do. I'm still waiting for a CJ-type RB to emerge for us.

[Jacksnow]

Pulled this off the draft network.
“ A three-year extension worth $46.5 million would pay Williams $15.5 million per campaign, positioning him well ahead of Taylor's $14 million.”
And
“ Williams and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, reportedly seek a deal exceeding $14 million per year, while the Rams’ valuation is lower, per The Athletic’s Jordan Rodrigue.”

I would not extend Williams with these numbers.

Good info no way at 14 million/year. We all love him, but not 14 million kind of love.

[Bulldawg]

Pulled this off the draft network.
“ A three-year extension worth $46.5 million would pay Williams $15.5 million per campaign, positioning him well ahead of Taylor's $14 million.”
And
“ Williams and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, reportedly seek a deal exceeding $14 million per year, while the Rams’ valuation is lower, per The Athletic’s Jordan Rodrigue.”

I would not extend Williams with these numbers.

I agree. I would consider $10M/Year but that is about it. If he had breakaway speed and could take one to the house...then he would be worth a little more. We definitely have a drop off when he is not in the game.

[Jacksnow]

The other issue for Williams and agent will be is there any other team willing to pay 14 million+-? And is Williams willing to play for a possible bottom dweller to earn an extra million or two?

[ocram23]

love KW but I think the drafting of Hunter demonstrates the Rams are more than likely not going to offer KW a huge extension. Granted it will depend on the performance of Corum and Hunter this year. If both of those guys have a good year I could see KW not on the Rams in 2026

[GlendoraRam]

"Death. Taxes. The Rams draft running backs," Ciely wrote. "So, you could argue that Williams’ role is in jeopardy or that Les Snead and Sean McVay are doing what they always do. The 'Williams is a risk' camp will point to Williams’ inefficiency, ranking 35th of 37 running backs with 150+ touches in yards per touch (4.2). Only Kareem Hunt (4.1) and Rhamondre Stevenson (4.0) were lower ... . Williams wasn’t great in yards per carry either (4.1, which was 28th), but he was in line with Joe Mixon and just 0.1 behind Breece Hall and Alvin Kamara. The truth is Williams is much like Mixon — reliant on volume for Top 10 value — but that doesn’t mean Hunter or Corum is taking his job without advertising an upgrade in performance.

"Corum averaged just 4.1 YPT and 3.6 YPC last year, and Hunter is a lot like Michael Carter or Chase Edmonds. If Williams falters early, McVay could pull the plug, as he has done before with Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson, but I don’t believe Williams is at risk from Day 1. If anything, how McVay treats his lead running back merely points to Corum and/or Hunter being great bench stashes if Williams gets hurt or loses his grasp on the lead role because of prolonged (multiple games) struggles."

“ However, he's fumbled the ball eight times in two years, and production can only take you so far in this league. And, as Ciely alluded to in his analysis, the Rams have quickly pulled starters who hurt the team in the past.”

Via RamsWire

[Jacksnow]

"Death. Taxes. The Rams draft running backs," Ciely wrote. "So, you could argue that Williams’ role is in jeopardy or that Les Snead and Sean McVay are doing what they always do. The 'Williams is a risk' camp will point to Williams’ inefficiency, ranking 35th of 37 running backs with 150+ touches in yards per touch (4.2). Only Kareem Hunt (4.1) and Rhamondre Stevenson (4.0) were lower ... . Williams wasn’t great in yards per carry either (4.1, which was 28th), but he was in line with Joe Mixon and just 0.1 behind Breece Hall and Alvin Kamara. The truth is Williams is much like Mixon — reliant on volume for Top 10 value — but that doesn’t mean Hunter or Corum is taking his job without advertising an upgrade in performance.

"Corum averaged just 4.1 YPT and 3.6 YPC last year, and Hunter is a lot like Michael Carter or Chase Edmonds. If Williams falters early, McVay could pull the plug, as he has done before with Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson, but I don’t believe Williams is at risk from Day 1. If anything, how McVay treats his lead running back merely points to Corum and/or Hunter being great bench stashes if Williams gets hurt or loses his grasp on the lead role because of prolonged (multiple games) struggles."

“ However, he's fumbled the ball eight times in two years, and production can only take you so far in this league. And, as Ciely alluded to in his analysis, the Rams have quickly pulled starters who hurt the team in the past.”

Via RamsWire

Glendora nice info. But Williams blocks which isn't mentioned. However is blocking by your RB a good thing?

[GlendoraRam]

I have been really paying attention to his blocking on some clips, he is good, not great on blocking. Meaning, he slows rushers down right before he gets pushed to the ground. I guess that 1/2 second makes a difference.

[GlendoraRam]

From Google Ai
Kyren Williams is considered an average pass blocker in the NFL. While he's a solid blocker who is willing to get involved, his performance in pass protection hasn't reached the level of some other veteran running backs, like Todd Gurley.

Here's a more detailed look:
Average Blocking Grade:
Williams's run-blocking grade in 2024 was 79.6, which is considered average.

Pass Protection:
While Williams is a willing pass blocker, he has allowed a few sacks and pressures in his career, indicating he's not yet a top-tier pass protector.

Potential for Improvement:
Scouts and analysts have noted that Williams has the potential to improve his blocking skills, especially with more experience and coaching.

Size and Athleticism:
While Williams has a good understanding of blocking schemes, his smaller size and stature can make it difficult to match up with bigger, stronger defensive linemen.

Rams' Perspective:
The Rams value Williams's ability to block, as it allows them to run their 11 personnel set effectively.

[snackdaddy]

I'd wait and see how Corum and Hunter play this year. If they both look good I'd let KW walk. I love the guy but it's business and we could save $10 mil a year.

Sidebar, I was thinking what the Rams would be like with a true elite RB like Bijan Robinson, Saquan, or Jahmyr Gibbs. Imagine what the Philly playoff game would have looked like if we signed Barkley instead of the Eagles.

Its possible the team will wait and see how Corum does. If they think he's ready to take the reins they'll let Kyren walk.

[Bulldawg]

I saw an article today where someone was saying we are in negotiations with a trade to Chicago Bears for Kyren Williams. (It was fan article on FB, and I don't feel like searching for it.)

Since this is the boring time of year...what are your thoughts on...
1) Trading KW for a ____ round pick?
2) Resigning him for ____ million a year?
3) Any rumors on KW holding out until he gets a contract?

I know #3 may impact #1 and/or #2.

My thoughts...I hear rumors the going rate is around $13M/year. I would only want a 3 year contract at most...I could live with $10$-12M/yr as long as we could get out of it in year 3. $13m is the most I would pay, and only because we are winning the SB this year. I would feel okay with $20M guaranteed (3 years) but no more.

I doubt we could get more than a 3rd-4th rounder for him. RBs just don't have high trade value. (I wouldn't want less than a 3rd, but I would prefer to keep him for that price.) I would kick Delmar's mom out for a 1st or 2nd rounder.

It is a good sign that KW showed up to OTAs...at least my knowledge he did.

What say you?

[GlendoraRam]

He is a game changer? I don’t think so.. unless you count fumbles - LOL
I have seen talk of a trade. I wouldn’t be opposed if he is asking for top 10 RB $$$

[Bulldawg]

He is a game changer? I don’t think so.. unless you count fumbles - LOL
I have seen talk of a trade. I wouldn’t be opposed if he is asking for top 10 RB $$$

Hahaha...he is not a game changer. He is a good RB that can help us win a SB. (Not sure we need a game changer RB.) Top 10 I am okay with but not top 5.

After further research...the top 7 make => $10M/year. #8 (Aaron Jones) makes $9.75. Looking at the list I would put him in the top 7-8 RBs. I would rather have KW before Jones and the rest. We could argue Kamara/Jacobs.

Top 10 in order (Avg per year)
Barkley
McCaffrey
Henry
Taylor
Kamara
Jacobs
Jones
Mixon
Conner
Montgomery