Rams Boost Their Backfield: Draft or Free Agency?

As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for the 2025 season, their roster-building strategy under General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike. With a dynamic offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and a youthful defense showing promise, one position that continues to spark debate is running back. Kyren Williams has emerged as a cornerstone of the Rams’ ground game, but with his rookie contract nearing its end and depth concerns lingering, the question looms: Will the Rams add a running back in 2025 through the draft or free agency? Let’s break it down.

Current State of the Rams’ Backfield

Kyren Williams, a fifth-round pick in 2022, has blossomed into one of the NFL’s most productive running backs. In 2024, he showcased his versatility, racking up yards on the ground while proving reliable as a receiver out of the backfield and a willing blocker in pass protection—attributes McVay covets. However, his rookie deal expires after the 2025 season, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2026 unless the Rams extend him beforehand. Retaining Williams is a priority, as McVay and Snead have publicly emphasized his value to the offense.

Behind Williams, the Rams have Blake Corum, a 2024 third-round pick from Michigan. Corum showed flashes of potential in his rookie year, offering a physical, downhill running style that complements Williams’ more elusive approach. Yet, his limited usage in 2024 suggests he’s still developing into a larger role. The depth chart thins out beyond these two. Ronnie Rivers, recently re-signed to a one-year deal in March 2025, provides a familiar backup option, but he’s more of a role player than a long-term solution. Boston Scott, added in 2024, is a free agent after the season, and his contributions have been minimal.

The Rams’ backfield isn’t in crisis, but it’s not overflowing with proven talent either. Williams’ injury history—he missed time in both 2022 and 2023—adds urgency to the need for reliable depth. Additionally, Williams lacks break-away speed and has had issues with ball security. McVay’s offensive scheme thrives on a strong rushing attack to set up play-action, making the running back position critical to the team’s Super Bowl aspirations in 2025.

Free Agency: A Viable Option?

The 2025 free agency period, which officially begins March 12, offers the Rams a chance to bolster their backfield with established talent. With an estimated $21.2 million in cap space (per Over The Cap as of late March 2025), the Rams have room to maneuver. The Rams have restructured Stafford’s $49.7 million cap hit, and some of Cooper Kupp’s dead money comes off the books after June 1st.

The 2025 running back free agent class isn’t flush with elite names, as many top running backs signed extensions in recent years. However, a few intriguing options still remain:

Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns: Since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft, Chubb has played in 85 games, rushed for 6,843 yards, 31 touchdowns, and averaged 5.1 yards per carry, making him a short-term complement to Williams.Chubb missed the first few weeks of the year while recovering from a devastating knee injury he suffered in September 2023, and he then unfortunately broke his foot in December.
Jamaal Williams (New Orleans Saints): With the Lions in 2022, Williams ran for 1,066 yards and 17 touchdowns. It was his first 1,000-yard season in the NFL. With the Saints, the Fontana, California native carried the ball 48 times for 164 yards and one touchdown in 14 games.
Gus Edwards (Los Angeles Chargers): A former Raven familiar with physical football, Edwards could be a cost-effective power back at 30. His prior stint in Los Angeles (with the Chargers) might ease a transition across town.

As you can see, the free agent market is not nearly as robust as it has been in recent years. Former Rams Cam Akers is available as is former 45’er Jeff Wilson.

The Rams’ free agency strategy has historically leaned toward big splashes (e.g., Davante Adams in 2025) or retaining their own (e.g., Alaric Jackson, Ahkello Witherspoon). Snead could target a mid-tier veteran to pair with Williams and Corum, avoiding a high-cost signing at a position where youth often trumps experience. The risk? Overpaying for a declining player or missing out on a draft gem.

The Draft: A Youthful Infusion

The 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, presents another avenue. The Rams hold the 26th overall pick in the first round and seven total selections, though they lack a second-rounder (traded for Braden Fiske in 2024). Snead’s draft philosophy has shifted from trading away picks for stars to building through youth, as seen with successes like Jared Verse, Fiske, and Corum.

This year’s running back class features talent that could tempt the Rams, particularly in the mid-to-late rounds where they’ve found value before (Williams in Round 5, Corum in Round 3). Some prospects to watch:

Jarquez Hunter (Auburn): Posts on X indicate the Rams held a virtual meeting with Hunter in March 2025. A compact, explosive runner, Hunter racked up over 1,000 yards in 2024 with a knack for breaking tackles. He could be a Day 2 or early Day 3 target, offering a dynamic backup plan if Williams departs in 2026.

https://t.co/SXQOJcGEy1 #nfl #RamsHouse The Los Angeles Rams are intensifying their scouting efforts as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, holding the 26th overall pick. Recently, they conducted a virtual meeting with Jarquez Hunter, a standout running back from…
— QWIKET NFL (@qwiket_nfl) March 27, 2025

TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State): Analysts at Turf Show Times have linked Henderson to the Rams as a complement to Williams. His speed and receiving skills align with McVay’s vision, though his availability at pick 26 is uncertain—running backs rarely go in the first round anymore.
Omarion Hampton (North Carolina): A powerful, one-cut runner, Hampton could thrive in the Rams’ zone scheme. Likely a third- or fourth-rounder, he’d add depth and insurance.

The draft’s appeal lies in cost control—a rookie contract is cheaper than a free agent deal—and long-term potential. However, Snead might hesitate to use a high pick on a running back given other needs (e.g., cornerback, linebacker) and Williams’ presence. A Day 3 selection feels more likely, echoing past successes.

Strategic Considerations

Several factors will shape the Rams’ decision:

Kyren Williams’ Future: If the Rams extend Williams before or during 2025, the urgency for a high-profile addition diminishes. A long-term deal could lock him in through 2028, shifting focus to depth rather than a co-star. For me as a fan, I would love to see an upgrade with someone who has a bit more speed.
Blake Corum’s Development: If Corum steps up in 2025, the Rams might trust him as the RB2, reducing the need for a major move. His rookie year offers clues, but he’s unproven as a workhorse.
Injury Insurance: Williams’ durability concerns (he’s missed 13 games in two seasons) push the Rams to prioritize a contingency plan, whether via a veteran or a rookie.
Super Bowl Window: With Stafford, Adams, and Puka Nacua anchoring the offense, 2025 is a “win-now” year. A free agent could provide immediate impact, while a draft pick might need time to acclimate.

Prediction: A Balanced Approach

The Rams are unlikely to stand pat—they’ve rarely done so under Snead and McVay. Given their cap flexibility and draft capital, a dual-pronged strategy makes sense. They could sign a veteran like Conner or Edwards on a one- or two-year deal for instant depth and stability, especially if Scott departs. Simultaneously, targeting a mid-round prospect like Hunter or Hampton in the draft would secure a developmental piece for 2026 and beyond, particularly with Williams’ contract looming.

This approach mirrors their 2024 moves—adding Scott in free agency and drafting Corum—balancing short-term needs with long-term planning. The Rams’ aggressive free agency haul (Adams, Poona Ford, Nate Landman) suggests they’ll address running back early if the right fit emerges, but their draft history leans toward finding value later.

Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles Rams will almost certainly add a running back in 2025, likely through a combination of free agency and the draft. Williams and Corum form a solid foundation, but depth, durability, and future roster flexibility demand action. Whether it’s a savvy veteran signing or a sneaky draft steal, expect Snead and McVay to keep the backfield humming as they chase another Lombardi Trophy. The only question is how big they’ll swing—and with whom.

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