The Los Angeles Rams signed running back Jarquez Hunter to a four-year rookie deal. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
With Hunter signed, Terrance Ferguson is the lone member of the Rams’ 2025 NFL Draft class that is unsigned. However, Ferguson has been present for all of the scheduled offseason workouts so there is no concern over his contract status.
Hunter was selected in the fourth round with the 117th pick, adding more talent to a young running back room led by Kyren Williams. Los Angeles took Blake Corum in the third round last year, so he and Hunter will likely be vying for backup snaps.
Unlike Williams and Corum who are shiftier runners, Hunter is a physical two-down back that can churn out extra yardage on the ground due to his lower-body strength. While he might struggle with making defenders miss and catching out of the backfield, Hunter is a talented player who can add to the physical offensive identity head coach Sean McVay has leaned into.
Aside from spelling either Williams or Corum, Hunter can also be a Day 1 contributor on special teams as he has experience as a kick returner and in coverage. Normally rookies earn more playing time by embracing their role on special teams, and by all accounts Hunter seems like the kind of player that would relish the opportunity to prove himself.
The 2025 NFL Draft was deep at the running back position, so it was no surprise to see Los Angeles add someone like Hunter to the mix. General manager Les Snead and McVay have done well in the past to find talented backs on Days 2 and 3 of the draft, and Hunter could be the next in line to stick on the 53-man roster.
The Rams saw first-hand in the 2025 NFL Playoffs how much an explosive running back can change a game as they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles largely in part due to their inability to stop Saquon Barkley. Barkley continually tore up L.A.’s defense by gashing them for chunk runs and home run plays, and while Hunter isn’t Barkley he has more breakaway play potential than Williams or Corum.
Sean McVay gives updates on Rams’ contract talks with Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams has one more year left on his rookie deal which means he is extension-eligible. While no deal appears to be close, Sean McVay believes meaningful progress has been made on a possible extension with the Rams.
