With the Los Angeles Rams starting their offseason training program on Monday, wide receiver Xavier Smith signed his exclusive rights tender to return to the team for the 2026 season, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Exclusive rights free agents who re-signed today include:
🏈Panthers WR Jalen Coker
🏈Chiefs WR Nikko Remigio
🏈Rams WR Xavier Smith
🏈49ers OT Austen Pleasants
🏈Seahawks DB Ty Okada— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 20, 2026
Smith originally joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M in 2023. He set career-highs in receptions (18) and receiving yards (303) this past season, but made most of his contributions on special teams.
Smith was the Rams’ primary punt returner, taking back 27 kicks for 251 yards. He also recorded five combined tackles as a gunner. Smith is known for his speed and had the best game of his career against the Carolina Panthers in Week 13 when he caught three passes for 82 yards.
With Tutu Atwell no longer on the Rams, Smith could get more looks down the field next season when Matthew Stafford looks for a big play. He is part of a wide receiver group that includes Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington, among others.
The 28-year-old also figures to have an important role on special teams, with Bubba Ventrone now leading the group.
Matthew Stafford, Rams making ‘significant progress’ on contract extension
Heading into this offseason, Stafford wasted no time announcing that he would be returning to the Rams for another season. While it remains to be seen how many years he has left, it appears the 2026 season may not be his last as he is reportedly in deep talks with the Rams on a contract extension.
Last year, Stafford led the NFL by throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns with just eight interceptions while leading the Rams to a 12-5 record and a trip to the NFC Championship Game.
While MVP is the biggest award in the NFL, Stafford took home a lot of hardware for his season as he earned Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro selections while also being named the PFWA and PFF MVP.
Even at age 38, Stafford remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league and clearly feels he has some good years left in him. Unlike last offseason, it is nice to see that extension talks are going well and things likely won’t drag on into training camp. Even if an extension ultimately isn’t agreed to though, Stafford is under contract for the 2026 season.