The Los Angeles Rams are set at punter to start the season, but if the team feels they need to move away from Ethan Evans, a Super Bowl champion and former All-Pro for the franchise could be avalible for them.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports that punter Johnny Hekker will be released by the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings are releasing veteran punter Johnny Hekker, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 30, 2026
Rookie Brett Thorson, the Australia native and reigning Ray Guy Award winner at Georgia, will be Minnesota’s punter.
In 2025, the Rams replaced kicker Joshua Karty and long-snapper Alex Ward in the middle of the season, due to special teams issues, with head coach Sean McVay eventually parting ways with special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn months later. McVay then cleaned
house, hiring a brand new staff.
However, to replace Karty and Ward, McVay went with Harrison Mevis, while bringing back Jake McQuaide to snap. Considering McVay's love of familiarity, perhaps Hekker could be an option if needed.
Hekker played for the Rams from 2012-2021, winning Super Bowl LVI in his final appearance for the franchise. He also earned four Pro Bowl selections, and was a six-time All-Pro for the team. Hekker has spent the last four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, and Tennessee Titans, before losing the position battle with the Vikings this offseason.
The Rams also have Australian punter Jack Bouwmeester, who is expected to be 17th player on their practice squad, as a result of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Former Rams punter Johnny Hekker being cut by Vikings
