Xavier Smith: Everything you need to know

Smith signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Rams on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Smith signed a $1.075 million tender to remain with the Rams in 2026. The depth wide receiver is all set to suit up as a special teams player who also can provide offensive utility for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Smith hauled in 18 receptions for 303 yards over 16 regular-season contests in 2025, a significant improvement from his two receptions for six yards in the Rams' 2024 campaign.

The Rams tendered Smith on Monday. Smith was slated to be an exclusive rights free agent, and by receiving a tender, he's now locked in with Los Angeles for another season. The Florida A&M product has served as a depth wideout for the Rams during his two campaigns in the NFL, and he saw his role expand last year with an 18-303-0 receiving line over 16 regular-season games. Smith also was a key component of the Rams' special-teams unit, racking up 301 kick-return yards and 251 punt-return yards. He'll likely be deployed in a similar role next season.

Smith secured one of two targets for six yards, returned one punt for nine yards and returned one kick for 27 yards during Sunday's 37-20 victory over the Cardinals. A week removed from leading the Rams in receiving yards, Smith fell back to Earth in a big way against Arizona, reverting back to his more typical output through the 2025 campaign. Smith was fourth on the Rams in receiving yardage with 303 yards on 24 catches with no touchdowns. Smith's role grew as the season progressed, settling in as one of the primary backups behind starters Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (hamstring). Smith will be an exclusive rights free agent after the season and will be a candidate to be offered a one-year deal to return to the Rams as a return specialist and role player at wide receiver once again. Smith's next opportunity to produce comes in a road matchup against Carolina in the wild-card round on Saturday.