Rams must get more from Ethan Evans if he hopes to secure his starting job

Don't think for a second that Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans has secured an extension at season's end. His 2025 season was incredibly disappointing. Evans averaged 46.3 gross punting yards (23rd in the NFL) and only 38 in net yardage (27th).

Of course, coverage played a part in his pedestrian net ranking, but his gross production was underwhelming at best.

The Rams' championship hopes do not depend solely on Evans, but no Super Bowl team can survive poor punting all season long. Evans' 2025 performance was not compelling in any category. That has to change.

Was he poorly coached? There are signs that coaching could be a factor. In his rookie season, Evans boomed out punts that averaged 49.2 yards, although he netted only 38.5. In 2024, he popped arcs that averaged just 46 gross yards, but netted a much more impressive 41.7. Last season, he regressed.

Ethan Evans must scramble to avoid Riley Dixon's fate

At the end of 2022, the Rams parted ways with veteran punter Riley Dixon despite a decent season (11th place in gross yards and 22 in net). In hindsight, Dixon's performance bested two of Evans' three seasons with the team.

Did Los Angeles move on too soon? Evans has done little to suggest otherwise since his rookie year. Just maintaining his 2024 performance last season may have been just enough to alter the outcomes of several games But this is not about what-if scenarios. This is about the team needing Evans to deliver in 2026.

Since his one season in Los Angeles, Dixon had two solid years for the Denver Broncos before a poor 2026 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even as he sank to 29th in gross yards, Dixon remained a tick ahead of Evans in net yardage, as he has each season.

Yes, the Rams have been horrendous in covering punts. Still, the team sought to improve at punting and took a step back instead.

Evans was not part of the solution last season. Unless he can find his way back to his 2024 form, LA may need to sign another punter to compete for the starting job. Placekicker Harrison Mevis proved that sometimes the grass is greener in the UFL. Perhaps the Rams could look to add competition there.

Time is ticking.

As always, thanks for reading.

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