Kyren Williams just secured his future, but did he secure enough? The Los Angeles Rams running back signed a three-year, $33 million extension with $23 million guaranteed, sparking heated debate about whether he left money on the table or struck the perfect balance between security and value.
How Does Kyren Williams’ Extension Compare to Other Running Back Deals?
The Los Angeles Rams’ signing of Williams reveals Rams general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay’s desire to keep Williams over the long haul.
Williams, 24, is entering his fourth NFL season. He went from being a fifth-round pick in 2022 to becoming one of the Rams’ top offensive weapons. He took over the lead back role during the 2023 season, rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games, and made his first Pro Bowl. Williams played in 16 games in 2024, and ran for 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Williams has never shown interest in holding out or dragging out negotiations. His approach to the contract talks reflected his team-first mentality.
“For me, there was no decision (to hold out or in),” Williams said in July. “I play football. That’s what I do. That’s what I love. At the end of the day, I do this not for the money, not for the fame or popularity, but to take care of my family. For me, it’s a lot bigger than a contract negotiation. For me, it’s putting my feet on the ground and continuing to get better.”
Did Kyren Williams Leave Money on the Table?
Signing this extension confirms that Williams wasn’t interested in extracting as much as he could have out of the Rams, which has sparked some debate among football fans.
Some fans think he may have gotten scammed, with one fan saying, “If he can stay healthy, he got scammed big time.”
If he can stay healthy, he got scammed big time.
— Jay (@jay17v) August 5, 2025
However, others think Williams hit pay dirt, saying, “One of the most underrated backs in the league just got paid.”
One of the most underrated backs in the league just got PAID.
— Max (@0xMaxxx) August 5, 2025
Still, others believe he took way less than he was worth, with another fan posting, “Holy underpay.”
HOLY UNDERPAY
— jack (@Jack80655997) August 5, 2025
Meanwhile, other fans characterize Williams’ deal as a bargain for the Rams, as one fan wrote, “Steal OMG.”
STEAL OMG
— 𝙅𝙅 𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙚⚡️ (@RedickGotNext) August 5, 2025
Another pointed out what many were thinking: “Bro, that’s a bargain for [the] Rams.”
Bro that’s a bargain for rams
— Jacob (@JC_bro23) August 5, 2025
Bargain or not, Williams did get himself a substantial payday, though he’s only the seventh-highest paid running back in the league based on average per year. His $23 million guaranteed ranks sixth. He’s also the first running back from the 2022 draft class to get an extension.
NFL Running Backs by Annual Salary
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- Saquon Barkley: $20.6 million
- Christian McCaffrey: $19 million
- Derrick Henry: $15 million
- Jonathan Taylor: $14 million
- Alvin Kamara: $12.25 million
- Josh Jacobs: $12 million
- Kyren Williams: $11 million
- Aaron Jones: $10 million
- James Conner: $9.5 million
- David Montgomery $9.125 million
Williams is a key piece of the Rams’ offense. Even though he didn’t have as many explosive plays in 2024, he proved he can carry the load. His deal might not reset the market, but it aligns with what he’s been saying: he just wanted it done.
