As of this writing, the Los Angeles Rams can have 18 unrestricted free brokers after the 2025 season ends. This consists of eight starters from throughout the spectrum of ages and expertise.
Whereas re-signing these gamers is on the desk, like with what the staff did with Alaric Jackson and Tutu Atwell in 2025, the Rams may additionally use the franchise tag to maintain somebody on the staff for an additional season with a completely assured deal. It additionally extends the deadline for the 2 sides to agree on a long-term contract.
There are a number of choices for the franchise tag subsequent offseason if the Rams do not signal them to an extension, however Professional Soccer Community’s Brandon Austin believes the perfect candidate is operating again Kyren Williams.
With the operating again franchise tag projected to be round $13 to $14 million, the Rams may view tagging Williams as an economical strategy to retain a top-tier again whereas they consider their long-term roster plans.
Williams is within the ultimate yr of his deal after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He is additionally scored 26 touchdowns since 2023. He and the Rams are negotiating a brand new deal this yr, however that does not imply the 2 sides will agree on a quantity earlier than the tip of the season.
So, if the Rams select to attend till after the 2025 season to try to lengthen Williams, they might additionally go for the franchise tag to maintain the cap hit comparatively small in comparison with what it may value to pay Williams over a three- to four-year deal.
The Rams aren’t large customers of the franchise tag, although. They did not apply it to Jackson a yr in the past earlier than they signed him to an extension and common supervisor Les Snead has solely used it twice throughout his tenure: in 2016 and 2017 for cornerback Trumaine Johnson and in 2018 for defensive again LaMarcus Joyner.
Utilizing the tag on a operating again is not unusual, although. In 2023, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard all earned the franchise tag. A yr later, all of them performed for various groups on multi-year offers. Earlier than them, the Pittsburgh Steelers positioned the tag on Le’Veon Bell twice (2017 and 2018) earlier than he took the 2018 season off and signed with the New York Jets in 2019.
Williams may get costly, so the franchise tag is a strategy to insulate the Rams from a doubtlessly unhealthy deal, very like the ill-fated Todd Gurley contract in 2018 that lasted simply two years. With youthful operating backs like Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter behind Williams, one other yr of that trio may be the perfect path if the Rams aren’t bought on their starer.
About The Author
