Former WR Once Expected to Become a Packers Cornerstone Passes Away at 27 After Four-Year Battle With Bone Cancer

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams have made an important move to strengthen their depth for the 2026 season by tendering three exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs), including wide receiver/punt returner Xavier Smith, kicker Harrison Mevis, and offensive lineman Justin Dedich. Exclusive rights free agents are players with fewer than three accrued seasons and expired contracts. By offering them a one-year deal at the NFL minimum salary, the Rams ensure these players cannot negotiate with other teams. For the Rams, keeping these players is key as they continue shaping their roster for the upcoming season. Among the three, Xavier Smith’s return is perhaps the most notable. While he showed flashes of potential as a deep threat at wide receiver, Smith’s most memorable moment came in the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, where a muffed punt deep in Rams territory allowed Seattle to take control of the game. Despite this costly mistake, the Rams have decided to bring him back at the NFL veteran minimum. Smith remains the favorite to handle punt return duties in 2026, and with improvements to his special teams play, he could still make an impact in the return game and at wide receiver. “Xavier brings energy to the special teams unit,” said a Rams staff member. “He’s got all the tools, but it’s about minimizing mistakes moving forward.” Harrison Mevis, who had an impressive rookie season with the Rams, is expected to continue as the team’s primary kicker. While he wasn’t entrenched in the position last year — with Josh Karty initially leading — Mevis’ strong first-year performance has earned him the edge to maintain kicking duties moving forward. The Rams may still bring in competition to ensure depth at the position, but Mevis looks poised to solidify his spot. As for Justin Dedich, he remains an important depth piece along the interior offensive line. While Dedich hasn’t established himself as a full-time starter, his value as a versatile backup cannot be overstated. The 2024 draft pick has made 9 starts and played in 29 games over his first two seasons, providing reliable depth for the Rams’ line. This move signals that the Rams are prioritizing stability and continuity while continuing to build a competitive roster. The franchise will now look to bolster their team even further in the upcoming free agency period. With the 2026 season just around the corner, the Rams are taking the necessary steps to ensure they have the right mix of experience and youth on their roster as they look to contend for another championship.