With the rest of the position groups already analyzed, it is now time to take a look at the Los Angeles Rams special teams unit.

After some struggles on the field goal unit in 2025, the Rams seem to have found a solid option moving forward, but also may have questions to answer in the return game.

While the analysis won't be deep on individual players, this is an overall look at the kick and return units for the upcoming 2026 season.

Rams Special Teams Players on the Roster

After taking over for Joshua Karty in 2025, Harrison Mevis proved to be a great option at kicker, having made 100 percent of extra points and 92.3 percent of his field goals. He also had a game-winning kick in the postseason to send the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.

Ethan Evans has been solid for the Rams in his first three NFL seasons, and in his 2025 campaign with the Rams, he averaged 46.3 yards per punt and placed 20 punts inside the 20.

Joe Cardona is a very reliable long snapper, as he now has 11 seasons in the NFL after spending his first 10 with the Patriots and last season with the Dolphins. He should be someone the Rams trust to do his job consistently in 2026.

Xavier Smith was a consistent punt returner for the Rams last season, as he had 251 punt return yards, which ranked No. 13 in the league. He also averaged 9.3 yards per return, which ranked in the top 20 among all punt returners.

Jordan Whittington was a good option on offense as a receiving option for Matthew Stafford on the perimeter, but he was also used as a kick returner, where he recorded 434 kick return yards and averaged 25.5 yards per return.

Biggest Rams Special Teams Questions

Will Xavier Smith still be the Rams starting punt returner?

While Smith did have solid numbers as the Rams' punt returner in 2025, his muffed punt in the NFC Championship game was a critical mistake and no doubt played a part in why the season ended. As they head into next season, it will be interesting to see if they still trust Smith or if they evaluate their options further.

Can Harrison Mevis kick with consistency for a full season?

There is no question that Mevis was great for the Rams in his nine regular season games and three playoff games, but playing a full 17 games and the postseason is definitely a bit different. If he can prove his ability throughout this next season, Los Angeles may have their solid option for the foreseeable future.

More training camp primers:

Harrison Mevis - K

Ethan Evans - P/H

Joe Cardona - LS

Xavier Smith - PR