The Rams Sign Exclusive-Rights Tender for Three Free Agents: Dedich, Mevis, and Smith
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Los Angeles has extended exclusive rights tenders to offensive lineman Justin Dedich, kicker Harrison Mevis, and wide receiver Xavier Smith, all of whom qualified as exclusive rights free agents.
An exclusive rights free agent is defined as a player with fewer than three accrued seasons whose contract has expired. When the original team offers the player a one-year deal at the league minimum (determined by their credited seasons), the player is not eligible to negotiate with other clubs.
Dedich, 25, joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of USC in 2024. Over the past two seasons, he has appeared in 32 games and started 10, including appearances in the playoffs.
Mevis, 23, was brought in by Los Angeles on November 5 and took over as the team’s kicker. In nine regular-season games, he converted 12 of 13 field goal attempts and all 39 of his extra-point tries. Notably, he drilled the game-winning field goal against the Bears to propel the Rams to the NFC Championship Game, and he went 9 for 9 on extra points across the team’s three playoff contests.
Smith, 28, served as the Rams’ primary punt returner last year. He logged 27 punt returns for 251 yards (an average of 9.3 yards per return) over 16 regular-season games. He also set personal bests with 18 receptions for 303 receiving yards.
Notes:
- The Rams’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup highlights cornerbacks and offensive-skilled players as frequent first-round projections after the combine.
- David Quessenberry was re-signed by the Rams to a one-year deal in 2026.
- The 2026 NFL salary cap was announced at an all-time high.
- Ahkello Witherspoon’ s size and frame were noted as a valuable matchup piece for the Rams’ 2025 cornerback rotation.
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