The Los Angeles Rams have seemingly finally settled their long-standing issues in the third phase, special teams, and specifically when it comes to their kicking game. After finally seeing Harrison Mevis attempt – and make – field goals in a game, the Rams have cut Joshua Karty ahead of facing the Carolina Panthers in Week 13.
It is a quick pivot for an organization that has shown strong belief in its ability to develop players.
However, that may still hold if their decision to stick with Mevis, a former undrafted free agent, proves wise the rest of the way.
Rams Announce K Joshua Karty Cut
GettyJoshua Karty #16 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Rams announced in a post on X on November 28 that they “Waived, No Recall K Joshua Karty.”
Karty, 23, was the No. 209 overall kick of the 2024 draft. It is a noteworthy development. Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed confidence in Karty even as the Rams switched to their other second-year kicker.
“I still do have a lot of confidence in Josh Karty. He’s not going anywhere. But based on just some of the things that we tried to evaluate throughout the course of the week, those guys both did a really good job. I was really pleased, and really impressed, and proud of how Josh handled himself this week. I think he’s got a really bright future; I think he’s done a lot of really good things for us,” McVay told reporters on November 7.
“All the things that went into it in terms of just, ultimately, in its simplest form, who do I think gives us the best chance to have successful outcomes, particularly in that operation.”
A decision that was made for Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers has stuck.
Mevis broke into the league with the Carolina Panthers, and he spent time with the New York Jets. However, he had never attempted a field goal during a regular-season game before joining the Rams.
Even then, it took two weeks for his first attempt. Mevis connected on both of his tries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12.
The Rams are now free to sign Mevis to the 53-man roster after using all of his elevations.
Joshua Karty Hoped to Land With Rams
GettyJoshua Karty #16 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after missing a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers.
It is an unfortunate turn of fate for Karty, who was 10-for-15 on field goals and 23-for-26 on point after tries this season. He was 39-of-49 on FGs and 55-of-62 on PATs. He spoke candidly about wanting to land with the Rams before the draft after it came to fruition.
“This was a little bit of a roller coaster,” Karty said, per TheRams.com’s Stu Jackson in April 2024. “There’s a lot of quality in the kicker classes here with me and Will (Reichard) and Cam (Little), and we just knew as soon as one of us was going, then the other teams will start to bite. I was hoping if another kicker went first, it wasn’t going to be the Rams and boy, I’m glad the Rams had the next pick. I’m super excited. I wanted to be here all along and get to stay in California and get to be around.”
The Rams followed a similar pattern with long snapper Alex Ward after replacing him with two-time Pro Bowler Jake McQuaide. Ward has yet to find another opportunity.
McVay had warned of a potential change, though he initially defended Karty.
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