Rams release 'Thiccer Kicker' who once auditioned for Tyler Bass' job with Bills

Harrison Mevis once auditioned to replace Tyler Bass. Two years later, Bass helped end Mevis' time with the Los Angeles Rams. Turns out, bigger isn't always better. The Rams are releasing the 6-foot, 245-pound kicker nicknamed "The Thiccer Kicker" and signing 5-foot-7, 156-pound Blake Grupe off the

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What is the story about?

Harrison Mevis once auditioned to replace Tyler Bass.

Two years later, Bass helped end Mevis' time with the Los Angeles Rams.

Turns out, bigger isn't always better.

The Rams are releasing the 6-foot, 245-pound kicker nicknamed "The Thiccer Kicker" and signing 5-foot-7, 156-pound Blake Grupe off the New York Jets' practice squad, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Mevis missed both of his field-goal attempts Monday night.

His 50-yard attempt went wide left during the first quarter. Then Greg Rousseau got a hand on Mevis' potential game-winning 48-yard field goal in overtime to keep the game tied at 34.

Buffalo took advantage.

Josh Allen ran for 19 and 13 yards on the Bills' next possession before Bass made a 45-yard field goal

with 1:55 remaining to win it.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Greg Rousseau (15) blocks a field goal from Los Angeles Rams place kicker Harrison Mevis (92) during overtime at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams didn't wait long to make a change.

The move came after Rams coach Sean McVay ripped his special teams following Monday's loss.

"In the kicking game, especially with our PAT, field goal, not even close to good enough. It cost us the game tonight," McVay said. "I'm sick right now with myself."

McVay said Los Angeles would "evaluate everything" about its kicking operation after the loss.

"It's been a while since I've been this pissed after a game," McVay said.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 12: Tyler Bass #16 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with teammates after kicking a 45 yard game winning field goal against the Los Angeles Rams in overtime of the game at SoFi Stadium on October 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Mevis had made only 5 of 9 field-goal attempts this season. He went 0-for-2 against Buffalo after entering the game 5-for-7.

Mevis' connection to Buffalo goes back two years.

The Bills worked him out in October 2024 while Bass was struggling. Mevis was an undrafted rookie at the time after a standout career at Missouri, where he became the school's career scoring leader and kicked an SEC-record 61-yard field goal.

The Bills ultimately signed Lucas Havrisik to the practice squad instead.

Harrison Mevis #92 of the Los Angeles Rams attempts to kick a field goal against the Buffalo Bills during overtime of the game at SoFi Stadium on October 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

Mevis later made his NFL debut with the Rams in 2025 and converted 12 of 13 field-goal attempts during the regular season. He also made all six of his field-goal attempts and all nine extra-point tries in the postseason.

His second season didn't last nearly as long.

Los Angeles is replacing him with Grupe, who has made 86 of 105 career field-goal attempts over three NFL seasons. He has a career long of 60 yards.

And two years after Buffalo considered bringing in Mevis to push Bass, the Bills' kicker was the one being carried off the field by teammates after Mevis' final attempt with the Rams was blocked.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rams release 'Thiccer Kicker' who once auditioned for Tyler Bass' job with Bills