{"id":871039,"date":"2026-04-21T07:15:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T07:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871039\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T07:15:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T07:15:26","slug":"xavier-smith-justin-dedich-sign-rams-contracts-ahead-of-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871039\/","title":{"rendered":"Xavier Smith, Justin Dedich Sign Rams Contracts Ahead of Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Xavier\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Xavier Smith #19 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a reception against the Seattle Seahawks.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Rams<\/a> have secured two players during what is largely a quiet time in free agency, further bolstering their ranks in the final days before the 2026 draft by finalizing their plans with Justin Dedich<\/a> and Xavier Smith<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Both players have become valuable contributors over the past two seasons, with Smith coming off a career campaign.<\/p>\n

Dedich, meanwhile, has started nine games over the past two seasons.<\/p>\n

Rams\u2019 Justin Dedich, Xavier Smith Put Pen to Paper\"Justin<\/p>\n

GettyJustin Dedich #67 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Chicago Bears<\/a> in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.<\/p>\n

The Rams tendered qualifying offers<\/a> to Dedich and Smith, two former undrafted free agents, in March. They also extended one to kicker Harrison Mevis<\/a>, who joined the team mid-season, replacing 2024 sixth-round draft pick Joshua Karty<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201c#Rams signed exclusive rights free agents Justin Dedich, Xavier Smith,\u201d KPRC 2\u2019s Aaron Wilson reported<\/a> on X on April 20.<\/p>\n

Dedich has played in 31 games for the Rams over the past two seasons.<\/p>\n

He has served as a backup and fill-in starter at guard behind Kevin Dotson<\/a> and Steve Avila<\/a>, both of whom are in the final year of their respective contracts<\/a> and will be unrestricted free agents in 2027.<\/p>\n

Smith started three of the 16 games that he played in during the 2025 season, recording 18 receptions for 303 yards. He has a 20-309-0 career line as a receiver.<\/p>\n

Smith also contributed on special teams for the Rams, taking over return duties.<\/p>\n

On a team that leaned on Davante Adams<\/a> and Puka Nacua<\/a> at wideout, Smith still finished third among Rams receivers in yards. He tied Jordan Whittington<\/a> with 18\u00a0 receptions, but logged 132 more yards.<\/p>\n

Rams Still Have Unfinished Business in Free Agency\"Harrison<\/p>\n

GettyHarrison Mevis #92 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after defeating the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.<\/p>\n

Smith\u2019s contributions on offense and special teams led the Rams to delay Tutu Atwell<\/a>\u2019s return from injured reserve. Atwell, a member of the Rams\u2019 Super Bowl-winning team in 2021, signed with the Miami Dolphins<\/a> in free agency this offseason.<\/p>\n

The stage is set for Dedich and Smith to reprise their roles with the Rams this coming season, though the draft still looms large.<\/p>\n

There has been no official reporting that Mevis signed his tender.<\/p>\n

He is the last of the Rams\u2019 three ERFA\u2019s\u2013along with Dedich and Smith\u2013to make it official. But his return is a formality at this point in the offseason; the deadline for ERFAs to negotiate with new teams passed on April 17.<\/p>\n

Rams Duo Headed for Repeat Scenario\"Xavier<\/p>\n

GettyXavier Smith could be on notice after the Rams signed Britain Covey<\/a> in free agency.<\/p>\n

However, both players will be in similar situations next offseason, when their one-year contracts expire, and they become restricted free agents. That is, players with three accrued seasons and expired deals.<\/p>\n

Per the NFL<\/a>, \u201cRFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any team, but their original team can offer them one of various qualifying offers (\u2018tenders\u2019) that come with the Right of First Refusal and\/or draft-pick compensation. If the tender is withdrawn by a team, the RFA becomes an unrestricted free agent. Teams must submit these tenders before the start of the 2026 League Year (4 p.m. ET on March 11).\u201d<\/p>\n

There are five different tenders: first-round, second-round, original round, right-of-first-refusal, and upgraded.<\/p>\n

Most instances offer a set dollar amount or a percentage of their prior year\u2019s salary.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJosh Buckhalter<\/a> covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Rams\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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