What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Rams are evaluating their special teams unit following a season marked by costly mistakes in kicking and kick returning. Harrison Mevis, who joined the Rams mid-season to replace Joshua
Karty, has been a standout performer, converting 18 of 19 field goal attempts and all 48 extra points. Despite his success, the Rams are deliberating whether to re-sign Mevis for the 2026 season. Mevis' performance ranks him among the top kickers in the NFL, and his cost-effectiveness makes him an attractive option for the Rams, who are looking to address other roster needs. The team is considering the pros and cons of retaining Mevis, including his limited experience and the potential need for a kicker who can handle kickoffs if punter Ethan Evans is not retained.
Why It's Important?
The decision to retain Harrison Mevis is crucial for the Rams as they aim to strengthen their special teams, a unit that has been a weak link in their performance. Mevis' reliability and cost-effectiveness provide the Rams with a stable option at kicker, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of need. The Rams' special teams performance can significantly impact their overall success, as evidenced by the games lost due to kicking errors. Retaining Mevis could provide continuity and stability, which are essential for a team looking to improve its playoff prospects. Additionally, Mevis' positive locker room presence and affinity for the team culture could enhance team cohesion.
What's Next?
The Rams will continue to assess their special teams needs and may bring in additional kickers to compete with Mevis during the offseason. The decision to retain Mevis will likely depend on the team's evaluation of his ability to handle kickoffs and his performance in competitive scenarios. The Rams' management will also consider the availability of other kickers in the free-agent market, although current options do not present significant upgrades. The outcome of these evaluations will shape the Rams' special teams strategy for the upcoming season.
