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

New York Times

time29-05-2025

  • Business
  • New York Times

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

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. Advertisement '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.' Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.

Rams vs. Texans Tickets: Week 1, Sunday, September 7
Rams vs. Texans Tickets: Week 1, Sunday, September 7

USA Today

time20-05-2025

  • Sport
  • USA Today

Rams vs. Texans Tickets: Week 1, Sunday, September 7

Rams vs. Texans Tickets: Week 1, Sunday, September 7 The Houston Texans (0-0) go on the road to play the Los Angeles Rams (0-0) at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Buy tickets for this game on StubHub! Rams vs. Texans tickets for sale Rams vs. Texans game info Game date: Sunday, September 7, 2025 Sunday, September 7, 2025 Time: 4:25 p.m. ET 4:25 p.m. ET Venue: SoFi Stadium SoFi Stadium Location: Inglewood, California Inglewood, California TV: CBS CBS Live stream: Paramount+ Rams leaders In 16 games last year, Kyren Williams ran for 1,299 yards (81.2 per game) and 14 touchdowns. Williams also had 34 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Matthew Stafford aired it out for 3,762 yards (235.1 per game) last season, completing 65.8% of his throws, with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 games. A season ago, Davante Adams had 85 catches for 1,063 yards (75.9 per game) and eight touchdowns in 14 games. Rams schedule Next game: Rams vs. Texans Rams vs. Titans Rams vs. Eagles Rams vs. Colts Texans leaders C.J. Stroud averaged 7.0 passing yards per attempt (22nd in NFL) and 219.2 yards per game last year, completing 63.2% of his passes on the way to 3,727 total yards, 20 TDs and 12 INTs in 17 games. Stroud also rushed for 233 yards. Joe Mixon averaged 72.6 rushing yards in 14 games (1,016 total yards), and scored 11 rushing TDs. Mixon also picked up 309 yards receiving (22.1 per game) on 36 catches (2.6 per game). He was targeted 52 times and caught one TD pass. Nico Collins registered 1,006 yards receiving and seven TDs on 68 receptions while being targeted 99 times last year. Texans schedule Next game: Texans vs. Rams Texans vs. Buccaneers Texans vs. Jaguars Texans vs. Titans Buy tickets for this game on StubHub! Watch the NFL on Fubo!

Kyren Williams 'feeling good' about chances for a Rams contract extension
Kyren Williams 'feeling good' about chances for a Rams contract extension

Yahoo

time19-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Kyren Williams 'feeling good' about chances for a Rams contract extension

Rams running back Kyren Williams heads to the locker room before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium in September. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) Rams running back Kyren Williams is waiting patiently. During the offseason, the team solidified its offense by re-signing left tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Tutu Atwell, adding free-agent receiver Davante Adams and offensive lineman Coleman Shelton and adjusting the contract of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Advertisement Williams, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards in each of the last two seasons, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension. In April, the Rams and Williams' agent exchanged proposed contract terms. But with organized team activities scheduled to begin next week, a deal has not been done. Read more: Rams GM Les Snead hopes to re-sign Kyren Williams: 'We all want this to work out' Still, Williams said he was 'feeling good' about the situation. 'I know with time it's going to happen,' Williams said last week in Pasadena, where he helped distribute new shoes to kids affected by the Eaton Fire. Advertisement And if Williams and the Rams do not reach a deal before the season? 'I would love for it to get done so I can take care of my family and the loved ones that helped me get here,' he said. 'I've always got trust in God. Whether it happens now or I play out the season, I know it's going to happen eventually. 'And so, time will tell. I just know I've got to do what I need to do each and every single day to make sure that it does happen in my favor.' Rams running back Kyren Williams, second from right, helped distribute new shoes to kids affected by Eaton fire last week in a joint effort between the Seattle Seahawks and Rams. (Gary Klein / Los Angeles Times) Williams, a 2022 fifth-round draft pick from Notre Dame, was slowed by injuries much of his rookie season. But in 12 games in 2023, he rushed for 1,144 yards, scored 15 touchdowns and was voted to the Pro Bowl. In 16 games last season, he rushed for 1,299 yards and scored 16 touchdowns and helped the Rams advance to the NFC divisional round. Advertisement Williams, 24, leads a Rams running back corps that includes second-year pro Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Cody Schrader and rookie Jarquez Hunter, a fourth-round draft pick from Auburn. Williams is scheduled to earn about $5.4 million this season, according to The Rams have not given a running back a top-level extension since they awarded Todd Gurley a then-record deal before the 2018 season. General manager Les Snead has said that Rams would 'definitely like to engineer a long-term partnership,' with Williams. Coach Sean McVay said in April that 'bridging that gap' financially was the challenge. 'We'll see how far that we have to go with that but he is a very important part of what we want to be moving forward,' McVay said, adding, 'He knows how much I love him, and so we'll see if we can get something done.' Advertisement In the meantime, Williams is preparing for the season — and continuing to contribute off the field with actions consistent with those that made him the Rams' nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award last season. Williams directed his $25,000 from the NFL Foundation to the LAFD Foundation to help with fire relief efforts, said Molly Higgins, the Rams' executive vice president of community impact and engagement. 'He's been very vocal in saying, 'However I can help with the fire-impacted families, let me know,'' Higgins said. Read more: Kyren Williams happy to hear Rams are making his contract a priority Advertisement So when the Seattle Seahawks reached out to the Rams offering to combine forces to distribute sneakers to needy kids affected by the fires, Williams signed on to assist team mascots and several former Seahawks players at the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. 'I couldn't imagine what these young kids and their families went through when they lost their houses and things due to the fire so just being able to be here — this is a blessing,' Williams said. As his contract situation plays out, the work on and off the field will continue, Williams said. 'My only purpose is to continue to get better,' he said, 'and finding joy in each and every single day and finding something to get better at.' Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Kyren Williams ‘feeling good' about chances for a Rams contract extension
Kyren Williams ‘feeling good' about chances for a Rams contract extension

Los Angeles Times

time19-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Los Angeles Times

Kyren Williams ‘feeling good' about chances for a Rams contract extension

Rams running back Kyren Williams is waiting patiently. During the offseason, the team solidified its offense by re-signing left tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Tutu Atwell, adding free-agent receiver Davante Adams and offensive lineman Coleman Shelton and adjusting the contract of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Williams, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards in each of the last two seasons, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension. In April, the Rams and Williams' agent exchanged proposed contract terms. But with organized team activities scheduled to begin next week, a deal has not been done. Still, Williams said he was 'feeling good' about the situation. 'I know with time it's going to happen,' Williams said last week in Pasadena, where he helped distribute new shoes to kids affected by the Eaton Fire. And if Williams and the Rams do not reach a deal before the season? 'I would love for it to get done so I can take care of my family and the loved ones that helped me get here,' he said. 'I've always got trust in God. Whether it happens now or I play out the season, I know it's going to happen eventually. 'And so, time will tell. I just know I've got to do what I need to do each and every single day to make sure that it does happen in my favor.' Williams, a 2022 fifth-round draft pick from Notre Dame, was slowed by injuries much of his rookie season. But in 12 games in 2023, he rushed for 1,144 yards, scored 15 touchdowns and was voted to the Pro Bowl. In 16 games last season, he rushed for 1,299 yards and scored 16 touchdowns and helped the Rams advance to the NFC divisional round. Williams, 24, leads a Rams running back corps that includes second-year pro Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Cody Schrader and rookie Jarquez Hunter, a fourth-round draft pick from Auburn. Williams is scheduled to earn about $5.4 million this season, according to The Rams have not given a running back a top-level extension since they awarded Todd Gurley a then-record deal before the 2018 season. General manager Les Snead has said that Rams would 'definitely like to engineer a long-term partnership,' with Williams. Coach Sean McVay said in April that 'bridging that gap' financially was the challenge. 'We'll see how far that we have to go with that but he is a very important part of what we want to be moving forward,' McVay said, adding, 'He knows how much I love him, and so we'll see if we can get something done.' In the meantime, Williams is preparing for the season — and continuing to contribute off the field with actions consistent with those that made him the Rams' nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award last season. Williams directed his $25,000 from the NFL Foundation to the LAFD Foundation to help with fire relief efforts, said Molly Higgins, the Rams' executive vice president of community impact and engagement. 'He's been very vocal in saying, 'However I can help with the fire-impacted families, let me know,'' Higgins said. So when the Seattle Seahawks reached out to the Rams offering to combine forces to distribute sneakers to needy kids affected by the fires, Williams signed on to assist team mascots and several former Seahawks players at the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. 'I couldn't imagine what these young kids and their families went through when they lost their houses and things due to the fire so just being able to be here — this is a blessing,' Williams said. As his contract situation plays out, the work on and off the field will continue, Williams said. 'My only purpose is to continue to get better,' he said, 'and finding joy in each and every single day and finding something to get better at.'

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