The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a fascinating place midway through the season, performing far better than many had initially expected. After a rough start, they rallied in a surprising 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings, improving their record to 3-4. This resurgence has sparked optimism, driven in large part by the return of star wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Kupp contributed five catches for 51 yards and a touchdown, while Nacua returned to his high-performing form with seven receptions for 106 yards. However, the standout of the game was running back Kyren Williams, whose dual-threat capability on the ground and in the air added a new dimension to the offense. He logged 97 rushing yards on 23 carries and added five receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown.
Williams has emerged as the Rams’ most consistent offensive weapon this season, leading the NFL in critical statistics: rushing attempts (139), rushing touchdowns (8), total touches (158), and combined rushing-receiving touchdowns (10). So far, he has accumulated 533 rushing yards and has scored in 10 consecutive games, underlining his importance to the team’s offense. Given his crucial role, the Rams are in a precarious situation as they contemplate their next steps. With a mixed record, the Rams could either aim for a playoff push or pivot toward rebuilding and potentially offload talent before the trade deadline.
Trade speculation has circled around Williams due to his impressive performance and the team’s position. Some analysts, including Jacob Camenker from *USA Today*, have suggested a trade of Williams to the Dallas Cowboys, proposing that it would meet Dallas’s need for a true three-down back, particularly given the lackluster performance of the Cowboys’ current running backs. Camenker pointed out that Williams’s physical playing style would fill a void in Dallas, reminiscent of what Ezekiel Elliott once brought to their offense in his early years. A move to the Cowboys could be beneficial for both sides, especially as the Rams’ rookie back, Blake Corum, has shown potential, albeit with limited carries, and could be positioned as the top rusher if Williams were traded.
However, it’s uncertain if the Rams would entertain the idea of parting ways with Williams, who has consistently been a bright spot through ups and downs in their season. He has proven to be indispensable, especially as the Rams work through injuries and rebuild their offense around young talents like Nacua. While Kupp’s return has reinvigorated the offense, the Rams still lack depth across their roster, and keeping a reliable back like Williams provides stability.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, continue to experiment with the combination of Rico Dowdle and Elliott, but their production has been inconsistent. Dowdle has logged 246 yards on 59 carries (4.1 yards per carry), and Elliott has added 115 yards on 38 attempts (3 yards per carry). Together, this averages out to 3.7 yards per carry, which is on par with Corum’s average in limited action, suggesting that the Cowboys could benefit significantly from an upgrade at the position. Although Williams would offer a significant improvement, the Rams may prioritize his long-term potential over short-term trade benefits, especially if they feel he could continue to be a foundational player in the coming seasons.
Ultimately, while Williams’s trade potential has generated buzz, the Rams will need to balance the immediate gains of trading him with his ongoing importance to the team’s overall performance. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Rams General Manager Les Snead, who must decide whether to capitalize on Williams’s value now or continue to build around his talent. Given the stakes and the Rams’ momentum, it’s likely they’ll hold on to Williams to maintain a solid offensive front as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.
