Rams waive punt returner Xavier Smith after three seasons
The gist
The Los Angeles Rams waived wide receiver and punt returner Xavier Smith in October 2026.
Smith, 28, had set career highs in catches and return yards last season.
How it unfolded
- 2023Xavier Smith joined the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent signee.
- 2024Smith set up a walk-off victory over the San Francisco 49ers and held a starting role in the kicking game for a full calendar year.
- Sep 23, 2025Smith discussed his improbable journey to the Rams and life as an NFL punt returner on Rams Revealed Ep. 136.
Key terms
- waived
- An NFL procedure in which a team makes a player's contract or rights available to all other teams.
- undrafted free agent
- A professional athlete who is not under contract with any team and is free to sign with another.
Source: Wikipedia