Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay congratulates the team against Dallas Cowboys.
The Los Angeles Rams have been a source of intrigue during the pre-offseason going, but they got active adjusting their roster ahead of the official start on March 11. LA announced a trio of deals on Monday, all with players they know well.
LA is in a strong position financially, and they have been pegged as a team that could make a significant splash move, particularly via trade.
These moves might fly under the radar in that regard, but the players were key in 2025.
Rams Secure Three Players in Roster Update
Harrison Mevis, Los Angeles Rams
GettyHarrison Mevis #92 of the Missouri Tigers celebrates after kicking a field goal during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats.
The Rams announced via the team’s official website that they had tendered offers to offensive lineman Justin Dedich, kicker Harrison Mevis, and wide receiver Xavier Smith. All three players were exclusive rights free agents, as TheRams.com’s Stu Jackson explained.
“An exclusive rights free agent is any player with less than three accrued seasons and an expired contract,” Jackson wrote on March 2. “If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.”
The trio of former undrafted free agents made their respective presences felt this past season, appearing in 41 games combined.
Splashier moves are likely coming, but minor ones like these can also pay significant dividends.
Rams Turned to UDFA Trio during Campaign
Xavier Smith, Los Angeles Rams
GettyXavier Smith could be on notice after the Rams signed Britain Covey in free agency.
Dedich and Smith combined for nine starts for the Rams last season. The former has played in 29 games for the Rams during his two campaigns, mostly as a reserve on the interior of LA’s offensive line.
Smith operated as the Rams’ primary punt returner, and seemingly usurped fellow wideout Tutu Atwell in the pecking order, even after the latter returned from a hamstring injury.
Rams head coach Sean McVay turned to Mevis at a critical point in the season.
LA changed long snappers from Alex Ward to Jake McQuaide and special teams coordinators from Chase Blackburn to Ben Kotwica, too. The Rams hired former Cleveland Browns assistant Bubba Ventrone to fill the STC void this offseason.
Mevis took over for 2024 sixth-round draft pick Joshua Karty, who finished the season as a member of the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams need to find consistency here more than any other unit or phase.
Rams Making With Key Transition
The Rams are entering a critical window, trying to build the best roster they can to support 38-year-old QB1 Matthew Stafford and, they hope, win another Super Bowl before he retires. They must also be mindful of their future without the reigning MVP.
Keeping players who have developed in their system is a wise decision, even if none of the players the Rams have brought back this offseason hold significant roles.
Attrition is part of life in the NFL, and most players on any given roster are backups.
The Rams navigated injuries at wide receiver and along the offensive line and endured inconsistency from their special teams. Keeping the players who helped them get through those trying times no worse for the wear could once again pay off for McVay and the Rams’ roster.