Rams GM: Extending RB Williams 'on the plate' for discussion

The Rams plan on working to keep running back Kyren Williams in Los Angeles for longer.

Rams general manager Les Snead said Friday that discussions with Williams over an extension would be "on the plate" this offseason, with the 24-year-old set to enter the last year of his rookie contract and eligible for a new deal.

"He would be someone that after three years you could begin discussing, let's call it, renegotiating, starting anew," Snead told reporters, including team writer Stu Jackson. "I do think Kyren is someone who is a Ram and has a very impactful role for us."

Los Angeles hasn't signed a running back to an extension since inking Todd Gurley to a four-year, $60-million deal in 2018, which made him the highest-paid rusher at the time. The Rams released Gurley in March 2020 after he struggled with knee injuries.

Williams was Los Angeles' go-to running back this campaign, posting 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. However, he struggled with ball security in the regular season, recording five fumbles to tie New York Jets running back Breece Hall for the second-most at the position.

The Rams rushed for 1,765 yards across the 2024 regular season, ranking 24th in the NFL. Williams also added 182 rushing yards across L.A.'s two postseason games but notably fumbled in the fourth quarter of the team's 28-22 divisional-round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I think we would probably take the philosophy that you're going to need more than one running back, so we'll always try to keep that room somewhat healthy in terms of depth," Snead said. "There is a possibility, right, where (Williams) needs a partner to take some load off of him. He's probably played more than any running back over the last two years, so that's something to think about."

The Rams drafted Williams in the fifth round in 2022.