The Los Angeles Rams backfield is about to look wild in 2026, potentially the most split we've seen in the entire Sean McVay era, and the money situation behind it is just baffling. Seriously, get this: Kyren Williams is getting paid $11.65 million while Blake Corum, his co-starter, is pulling in a measly $1.57 million. That's Williams making seven and a half times more than the guy he's splitting carries with. How do you even justify that?
The Co-Starter Confusion Is Real
We've been watching the primary running back share for the Rams for years, from Todd Gurley's dominance with 78% of carries in 2017 down to Kyren Williams taking 76% in 2024. But 2025 saw a massive drop for Williams, only getting 54% of the total RB carries. Williams still put up 1,252 yards that year, and Corum, who had a breakout year, rushed for 746 yards. Together, these two fell just two pennies short of a mind-blowing 2,000 total yards. Now, the talk is that the split could hit a near 50/50 in 2026. Here's the kicker: Corum at times looked like the more explosive back on the field, which is exactly what the Rams' running game desperately needs. So, if they're basically 1A and 1B, why is the wallet situation so lopsided?A History of RB Spending Disasters
This huge imbalance isn't just some random fluke. The Rams famously do not invest big in running backs after that whole Todd Gurley contract disaster. It really seemed like they learned their lesson, right? Well, apparently not, because they're now shelling out massive cash for one "co-starter" while the other lead back, who arguably brings more explosiveness, is on a fraction of that. Williams is in the first year of his recent extension, while Corum still has two years left on his rookie deal. It's a prime example of the league's crazy running back market and how teams just can't seem to figure out fair value.The Clock Is Ticking in La La Land
Don't expect this dynamic duo to last too long down south. Corum, despite his promising play, is only affordable through 2027. And get this: it's also unlikely Williams will even be on the Rams after 2027. They can cut Williams in 2028 and get full salary cap relief. The 2027 offseason is a natural breaking point, with around $10 million in savings if they move on. While both Williams and Corum have brought some stability to that Los Angeles backfield, this duo's shelf life is probably short, likely leading to some third, unknown option. Makes you wonder if they'll still be running this chaotic show when the Seahawks hit Lumen Field to smash them on January 25, 2026! What a mess.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.