The Los Angeles Rams have quietly added another punter to their roster, signing Australian Jack Bouwmeester on Sunday. This move means the team now carries two punters on its 90-man roster as they prepare for their second preseason contest against the New Orleans Saints this week. For a team that has seen its share of special teams adventures, adding an extra foot, particularly one with unique roster flexibility, is a notable development.
Bouwmeester, who is 27, brings a collegiate background that spans several prominent programs, having played for Michigan State, Utah, and Texas. Although he went undrafted this year, he initially signed with the San Francisco 49ers before being waived just last week. His college career was marked by consistent performance, earning him first-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2023 and second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2024, signaling a proven ability at the collegiate level.
A key aspect of Bouwmeester's signing is his qualification for the NFL’s international pathway program exemption. This specific league rule allows the Rams a unique advantage: they can maintain control over Bouwmeester’s rights without him counting against the team's practice squad limits. Effectively, this means the Rams have an additional slot available, beyond the usual 16-man practice squad cap, which could be dedicated to Bouwmeester. It’s the kind of strategic roster management that can pay dividends over a long season, offering depth where it might otherwise be constrained.
Meanwhile, the existing punter situation in Los Angeles remains largely unaffected at the top. Ethan Evans continues to be recognized as one of the better punters in the NFL. Consequently, Bouwmeester’s arrival is not seen as a challenge to Evans' starting job. Instead, it suggests a broader approach to special teams depth, perhaps reflecting past issues that Sean McVay’s teams have encountered in this often-overlooked phase of the game.
Indeed, special teams has been a "longstanding problem" for Head Coach Sean McVay, a sentiment many local fans can likely echo. The addition of Bouwmeester could provide the Rams with more options as the season progresses. Whether it's to create competition, offer a different style of punt, or simply to have a ready replacement, the move injects flexibility. It also provides a straightforward solution if Evans were to face any issues, ensuring the team has a reliable punter ready for the remainder of the preseason and beyond.
The international pathway program provides the Rams with significant leeway regarding Bouwmeester’s future. Following final cuts, the team has the option to keep him on their practice squad without consuming one of their standard 16 spots. This beneficial arrangement can continue until Bouwmeester is either moved to the Rams' own 53-man roster or signed by another NFL team for their active roster. It’s a smart utilization of league rules to maximize roster potential.
