The Los Angeles Rams are making a major change to their special teams after a heartbreaking loss to the Buffalo Bills. The team is releasing kicker Harrison Mevis after his struggles played a significant role in Monday night’s 37-34 overtime defeat.
The decision comes just one day after head coach Sean McVay expressed his frustration with the team’s kicking game. Mevis, who became a fan favorite during his time in Los Angeles, will now have to look for another opportunity in the NFL.
A Difficult Night Against Buffalo
Mevis had a chance to help the Rams secure a dramatic victory, but his performance against Buffalo proved costly.
The kicker missed a 50 yard field-goal attempt during regulation before getting another opportunity in overtime. With the game on the line, Mevis attempted a 48 yard field goal that could have given Los Angeles the victory. However, Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau blocked the kick, allowing Buffalo to keep the game alive and eventually secure the win.
The Rams fell to 2-3 on the season, and their special teams struggles became the primary focus following the defeat.
McVay did not hide his frustration after the game, saying the team’s field-goal and extra-point units were not good enough and that the kicking game cost Los Angeles the victory.
Mevis Struggled After a Strong First Season
Mevis arrived in Los Angeles last season and quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff. He made 12 of 13 field-goal attempts during the 2025 regular season and converted all 39 of his extra-point attempts.
His postseason performance also helped establish him as a reliable option, including a game-winning kick against Chicago that sent the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.
However, the 2026 season has been a different story. Mevis converted just five of nine field-goal attempts through five games, a significant drop from his previous production.
Although he continued making his extra points, the missed field goals created concerns about whether he could consistently deliver in important situations.
Blake Grupe Gets the Opportunity
The Rams are reportedly signing Blake Grupe off the New York Jets’ practice squad to replace Mevis.
Grupe brings previous NFL experience with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts. He will now have an opportunity to stabilize a kicking unit that has struggled for consistency.
For Mevis, the release represents a disappointing turn after his promising start in Los Angeles. His NFL career is not necessarily over, but he will need another opportunity to prove that he can regain the form that made him a trusted kicker last season.
The Rams are hoping this change helps fix their special teams problems before another costly mistake damages their season.
