Kyren Williams Talks Possible Rams Contract Extension: 'That's Not Up to Me'

Running back Kyren Williams acknowledged this week that while he would like to sign a contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams, the decision may not ultimately be up to him.

Speaking to ESPN's Sarah Barshop about his potential future in Los Angeles, Williams said:

"I know I do love L.A. and I know that I would like to stay in one spot for my career. I don't want to be bounced around everywhere. But no, L.A. is definitely a spot that I see myself being at, calling home. But that's not up to me. I just got to continue to do what I do best and that's putting in the work and going out there on Sundays to make sure that that work is rewarded."

Williams, 24, was the Rams' fifth-round draft pick out of Notre Dame in 2022, and he has far exceeded expectations since entering the NFL.

After playing sparingly as a rookie and rushing for just 139 yards on 35 carries, Williams broke out in a big way in 2023.

Williams started 11 of the 12 games he played in, and despite missing five games due to injury, he still managed to rush for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also catching 32 passes for 206 yards and three additional scores.

Despite Williams being named to the Pro Bowl in his second season, the Rams used a 2024 third-round pick on decorated collegiate running back Blake Corum, which led to speculation of a timeshare.

However, Williams maintained his status as the No. 1 back last season and finished with 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, plus 34 receptions for 182 yards and two more touchdowns.

Williams played a big role in the Rams reaching the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, and he figures to be a key part of the offense again in 2025.

Despite that, Williams' future in L.A. isn't yet clear since he is eligible to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign.

As well as Williams has performed, there is no guarantee that the Rams are willing to invest long-term money in him, as NFL teams tend to be careful about how much they pay running backs.

The Rams have experienced the perils of paying big bucks to a superstar running back up close and personal, as they did precisely that with Todd Gurley back in 2018.

After Gurley finished second in the NFL MVP voting in 2017, the Rams signed him to a four-year, $57.5 million extension. He had another First Team All-Pro season in 2018, but due largely to injuries, he was out of the league just a couple of years later.

Williams doesn't have the type of injury history Gurley does, but there is still plenty of risk involved with giving a big contract to a player at a position that experiences arguably more wear and tear than any other.

Of course, the Rams could let Williams play his contract out in 2025 and then franchise tag him for 2026 if they still don't want to give him long-term money, but they will eventually have to make a firm decision on one of the best running backs in the game.