The Los Angeles Rams waived receiver and punt returner Xavier Smith on Friday, eight months after his muffed punt in the NFC Championship game may have cost the team a trip to the Super Bowl. Smith was retained after the playoffs and kept on the 53-man roster, but Sean McVay has seemingly seen enough and is ready to see another option on special teams.
The first name that comes to mind is Dean Connors, the running back who was signed to the 53-man roster this week after an impressive preseason.
Smith had 303 receiving yards last season, but zero catches on one target in 2026. The former undrafted free agent had seven punt returns in the league this year, the most in the NFL, and has also been L.A.’s main kickoff returner.
The Rams felt they needed the spot for someone else and they’re moving in a different direction. Some fans are wondering what took so long.
