In a season where the Los Angeles Rams faced kicking woes with Joshua Karty, Harrison Mevis stepped up in a big way. Joining the team in November from the practice squad, Mevis transformed the Rams’ kicking game, missing only one field goal in 19 attempts and going a flawless six-for-six in the playoffs. Now, as a free agent, the Rams are faced with a decision: stick with the reliable Mevis or explore other options.
Mevis’ late-season heroics make a compelling case for his return. While the Rams could look at free agents like Eddy Pineiro, Riley Patterson, or Nick Folk, these options come with higher price tags and their own set of concerns.
Folk, for instance, is nearing the end of his career at 41, and Pineiro has had issues with extra points. Patterson is consistent but more costly.
It seems likely that GM Les Snead would prefer to keep spending in check, especially for a kicker.
Despite his impressive run, Mevis doesn’t have an extensive NFL resume. After going undrafted, he was released by the Panthers and the Jets before finding his footing with the Rams.
His longest field goal last season was 52 yards, which might raise questions about his range. However, Mevis has proven leg strength from his college days at Missouri, where he nailed a 61-yarder and consistently hit from long distances.
The Rams’ offense, known for its firepower, places a premium on accuracy. Karty’s seven missed extra points over his tenure contrasted sharply with Mevis’ perfect 48-for-48 record, even under pressure from penalties.
In terms of Kicker Value Added, Mevis ranked eighth among 43 kickers, while Karty was near the bottom. Mevis added over seven points beyond expectations, highlighting his value to the team.
In Sean McVay’s aggressive offensive scheme, long-distance kicking isn’t as critical. What matters is reliability, and Mevis delivered when it counted.
His performance over 12 weeks demonstrated he’s more than capable of handling the role. Unless a standout alternative appears, re-signing Mevis seems like the smart play for the Rams.
His consistency and cost-effectiveness make him an ideal choice moving forward.