Rams' star-studded 2026 roster still has a glaring special teams problem
Los Angeles assembled a loaded roster in 2026 by adding Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie and bringing Aaron Donald out of retirement. The team's special teams have remained a serious weakness, continuing a pattern that hurt the Rams in the previous postseason. After a Monday night loss to Buffalo, Los Angeles released kicker Harrison Mevis following a missed field goal and a blocked overtime attempt.
Los Angeles built a 2026 roster around major defensive additions: Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Aaron Donald, who returned from retirement. That group joined a team already featuring the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, creating rare star power on both sides.
Yet special teams remained unresolved. The Rams had ranked among the NFL's worst units since 2020, and a punt-return fumble in the NFC Championship Game against Seattle helped end their season. In 2026, a missed kick and blocked overtime try against Buffalo led to Harrison Mevis's release, while a 70-yard kickoff return hurt them too. Bubba Ventrone was hired to fix it.
The Rams' special teams troubles could affect fans, players, and coaches by shaping expectations and job security. A high-profile roster may draw more attention to failures, intensifying criticism and media scrutiny. For Los Angeles businesses tied to game days, playoff success may influence spending and civic mood. The story may also remind sports organizations that star acquisitions alone cannot guarantee results, affecting how teams and supporters value overlooked roles.