This offseason, the Los Angeles Rams made a significant decision by extending running back Kyren Williams with a three-year, $33 million contract, including $15 million guaranteed annually.
This move placed him as the eighth-highest paid running back in the NFL and the seventh in guaranteed money. However, questions arose about whether this decision was the right one, given the critiques surrounding Williams’ performance.
Evaluating Williams’ Performance
While he has shown potential, his track record raises eyebrows. In the previous season, he accounted for five fumbles—ranking him third among all running backs.
This shaky ball security, combined with a lack of explosive plays, positioned him at a disappointing 30th out of 31 qualifying running backs in terms of explosive run rate, and 27th in missed tackles forced per attempt. Despite this, he managed to keep the Rams’ offense afloat, showcasing his ability to contribute meaningfully during crucial moments.
In a notable game against the San Francisco 49ers, fumbled at the one-yard line while trying to secure a win for his team. Events like this underscore the ongoing concerns regarding his reliability.
While he indeed excels in specific areas, there’s a feeling that he may not possess the full spectrum of skills needed in a top-tier running back.
The Factors Behind the Extension
When the Rams opted to sign him, there were mixed reactions. Would his performance justify the considerable investment? Critics noted that his fumbles and struggles with explosive speed had been longstanding issues dating back to his college days at Notre Dame.
Despite these problems, the Rams evidently valued what he brought to the team beyond his stats.
He carved out a niche in the offense, particularly in short-yardage situations, becoming a reliable option for achieving crucial gains. Even Rams head coach Sean McVay recognized Williams’ ability to secure those tough yards, which is invaluable in high-pressure moments.
During the offseason, Williams was reported to have worked diligently on enhancing his speed and explosiveness.
Running back coach Ron Gould took notice of the strides he made, mentioning his improved power and better balance on runs. With this diligence, fans were hopeful that he might shed some of his previous challenges.
However, delving into the first four games of the 2025 season, statistics revealed that he achieved an explosive run rate of only 1.5%. He ranked 31st out of 43 qualifying running backs in forced missed tackles per attempt.
This performance should have raised alarms, especially when compared to counterparts like J.K. Dobbins, who boasted impressive metrics.
The Identity Crisis of a Running Back
Critics of Williams argue that he seems more like a “singles hitter” rather than a home run talent—someone who can grind out yards but doesn’t typically break away for big gains.
His role has been cemented as primarily one of a steady contributor rather than a game-changer. With the Rams relying on him as a key figure in their running game, fans began to wonder if they had overestimated his potential.
While he can produce consistent results in controlled situations, specialists note that he may not be the explosive force that can flip a game.
Williams’ value lies in his ability to be a steady factor in maintaining drives, but the Rams need someone who can also change the rhythm of a game—something he has struggled to do frequently.
Making Sense of the Decision
Given the investment in Williams, it’s apparent that the Rams believed in his potential. The running back position can be fickle, and market prices vary widely.
When looking at recent contracts for running backs like Dobbins ($2.1 million) and their unique metrics, the Rams’ decision to commit to Williams raises eyebrows.
Moreover, the Rams’ philosophy around player contracts has appeared to shift. Historically, they cycled through players like Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson but now seem committed to Williams—even considering his fumbling history and inconsistency.
With five games into the 2025 season, Williams had already fumbled twice, raising questions about his long-term viability. The frequency of these mishaps has correlated with the Rams’ struggles. After all, turnovers can cost games—and securing the ball is paramount.
Looking Ahead
Now, the Rams find themselves facing a critical juncture. They must assess whether the pros of Williams’ contract outweigh the cons. His previous fumbles, particularly in key situations, have already proven detrimental to the team’s efforts this season.
As the Rams continue their journey, the decision to extend Williams looms large. The $12.8 million potential cap hit in the offseason could be a burdensome factor if his performances don’t elevate. The franchise may have to consider re-evaluating its options to maintain competitiveness.
Conclusion: A Cautious Outlook
As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. While the Rams had reasons to extend Kyren Williams, the early outcomes of the 2025 season leave many skeptical about that choice.
With ongoing concerns about ball security and explosiveness, the team must weigh their options carefully moving forward.
In the competitive world of the NFL, where every yard counts and turnovers can shift the tide, the need for effective running backs is critical.
Time will tell if Williams can work through these challenges or if the Rams will need to turn to greener pastures. With the right adjustments, perhaps Williams can evolve into a player who embodies both steady progress and exciting playmaking ability, but as of now, the questions linger.
