Rams tender three exclusive rights free agents

The Los Angeles Rams announced they’ve tendered three exclusive rights free agents.

• Justin Dedich, iOL
• Harrison Mevis, K
• Xavier Smith, WR/PR

These were the only three players on expiring contracts available to be designated as exclusive rights free agents, which the NFL defines as:

Any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.

Los Angeles also has two players who fit under the restricted free agent category: Keir Thomas and Nick Hampton both at EDGE defender. Restricted free agents are tendered at first-round, second-round, original-round, or right of first refusal tenders that potentially provide the original team draft compensation if they choose to negotiate and leave elsewhere in free agency.

Fans could find it surprising that the Rams elected to bring back Smith, even if he is getting paid the NFL veteran minimum. Smith muffed a punt deep in LA territory in the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks that ultimately made Seattle’s lead insurmountable. Improvement is needed on special teams this offseason. Smith is back as the favorite to handle punt return duties. He also carved out a niche role at receiver as a deep threat.

Mevis should also be the favorite to handle the kicking duties, though it wouldn’t be shocking to see Los Angeles invite competition. At this time last year, Josh Karty seem entrenched in this position. Things can change quickly, even if Mevis was impressive in his first year with the team.

For Dedich, he might not be cut out as a starter in the NFL. That doesn’t mean he’s not a valuable depth piece along the interior offensive line. Dedich has stepped in for nine starts and appeared in 29 games just two years into his career.

Stay tuned for all free agency news here at Turf Show Times.