Rams' Kyren Williams at OTAs amid ‘healthy' ongoing contract talks; other notes

New York Times

6 days ago

LOS ANGELES – The thought of sitting out spring practices never crossed star running back Kyren Williams' mind, despite an ongoing contract negotiation between his representatives and the Los Angeles Rams.
In fact, he felt strongly about showing up for reasons well beyond any long-term financial security. Personal accountability is one of them.
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'I'm very real with myself,' he told The Athletic on Wednesday, 'and I know I left a bad taste in everybody's mouth last year. I fumbled five times. That's not good; you have to take care of the ball if you're on the offensive side. So again, that's another thing that I'm well aware of what I left on tape. Now I have to keep proving (myself). … Attack it every day, because that's a professional attitude.'
The Rams opened discussions with Drew Rosenhaus, Williams' agent, this spring and met with him in West Palm Beach, Fla., during the annual league meeting in March. At that time, the two sides were apart in their respective numbers. But the talks have continued, and Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Wednesday he appreciates Williams' presence at the voluntary workouts.
'First of all, Drew has been outstanding (and) I think the dialogue has been really healthy,' said McVay. '… And Kyren has been the same stud that we know. Great demeanor, great willingness to come out here to work to get better. He's been great in terms of our communication, (and) it means a lot. You don't minimize (it), those things are real. Those are real things that guys have to navigate. … Hopefully we'll see where this goes, but I think it's been really healthy and positive progress, for sure.'
Williams is entering the final season on his rookie contract and his third season as the starting running back (he rushed for over 1,100 yards respectively in 2023 and 2024). Because of his ability, his fit in McVay's offense and his energy with teammates, it seemed natural for the Rams to consider an extension a season before his deal expires – something they had not done with running backs since former All-Pro Todd Gurley was on the roster.
'For me, I think it's good faith that we're even still talking,' said Williams. 'Even if we are not where we want to be right now, the fact that Sean, Les (Snead), the organization likes me enough (and) wants me enough to have those conversations a year early, knowing that it doesn't usually happen, especially at my position. … Just being able to have that respect, it means a lot.'
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Williams is optimistic the two sides can figure out terms ahead of training camp this summer, which is when the Rams typically execute extensions for players. He added that he 'has no other option but to be optimistic.' All he can control, he said, is how he operates with the time he has with his teammates and coaches now that he's in a veteran leadership role.
'I'm more focused on – as a man, as a player, as a human being – how I can continue to grow every single day and how I can impact others in a positive way, and just be the person I am,' he said. '… I'm not really worried about what is (still) to come, because I know what I'm gonna do.'
Williams is applying two simple, powerful truths to his mentality this offseason and beyond, regardless of the timeline of a possible deal:
'I play football because I really do love this game,' he said, 'and I know that I am able to take care of my family because of this game. … For me, (I) don't care what is going on. I know if I'm here, I'm getting better. … It's a no-brainer. Yeah, it's stressful because you don't get what you want right away in negotiations, but that's a part of it. You have to enjoy it, because I get to come out here every day and continue to still be who I am, despite what is going on.'
More notes from the Rams' first day of organized team activities (OTAs). (As a reminder, the team enforces a media policy that prohibits reporting specifics about the depth chart, plays and formations or other such details.)
• McVay was asked again whether the Rams remain open to trading for Dolphins star cornerback Jalen Ramsey after Miami expressed a willingness to facilitate a trade this offseason. Again, the head coach didn't rule out the possibility or downplay the Rams' interest, saying, 'We would never close out those opportunities,' but added that the Rams and Dolphins have not recently had 'meaningful' dialogue on the matter.
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McVay also said he doesn't believe the team needs to add more players to the secondary (outside of Ramsey, who would be a unique case) and cited cornerback Emmanuel Forbes' development after arriving in L.A. late last season and cornerback Derion Kendrick's return to the field. (Kendrick can play outside or in the slot.) Forbes did jump a route during a team period and intercepted backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
• Third year star receiver Puka Nacua had an excused absence from Wednesday's practice as he returns from a trip with his mother. Second-year receiver Jordan Whittington took on a significant portion of Nacua's workload and made several tough catches across the middle and sealed off the edge on more than one occasion during run plays, which drew praise from some coaches. (Note that real contact is not allowed during these practices.)
• Veteran receivers Davante Adams and Tutu Atwell also made their presence felt. In seven-on-sevens, Adams stretched vertically for a contested catch won against Kendrick. Meanwhile, Atwell caught a deep pass for a touchdown after getting two steps on his defender in 11-on-11s. Rookie seventh-round pick Konata Mumpfield made a tough catch in coverage, with a second defender closing down over the top of his route.
• Inside linebacker Omar Speights and safeties Kamren Kinchens and Quentin Lake worked to the side with athletic training staff during part of the team period.
• Right tackle Rob Havenstein is not practicing as he recovers from offseason procedures on both shoulders. He said earlier this spring that he expects to be ready for training camp. The Rams have been developing third-year offensive lineman Warren McClendon as a backup swing tackle.
• Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick attended Wednesday's practice and spoke with the team. 'There's so much crossover in leadership and the platform that we're blessed to be able to have,' said McVay, who initially met Redick shortly before the latter accepted the Lakers job in 2024.