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Rams sign Zech McPhearson for special teams

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Zech McPhearson’s arrival gives the Los Angeles Rams depth at a position that needed reinforcement after recent roster churn. The veteran cornerback has a track record as a special-teams playmaker and a rotational defensive back who can step in during the preseason grind.

General manager Les Snead moved to add McPhearson after the roster opened when rookie corner Drey Norwood was released, as reported by Ramblin Fan.

Key Takeaways

  • Zech McPhearson was signed to fill the roster spot created by the release of Drey Norwood.
  • General manager Les Snead added a veteran with prior regular-season and special-teams experience to the 90-man roster.
  • McPhearson’s verified NFL production includes limited defensive targets allowed and a notable special-teams recovery.

What Zech McPhearson brings to the Rams

McPhearson is a 2021 fourth-round pick who served as a rotational corner and core special-teamer with Philadelphia through the 2024 preseason. In his 2021-22 sample with the Eagles he allowed 12 completions on 22 targets, recorded one sack and two pass deflections, and did not surrender a touchdown completion.

His special-teams resume includes two special-teams tackles and a recovered onside kick in a 2022 win over the Detroit Lions, a performance that earned a weekly special-teams honor. The Rams are adding him for a role that combines depth work on defense with special-teams utility.

How Les Snead is handling depth

Les Snead signed McPhearson after creating a roster opening when rookie Drey Norwood was released. The move follows earlier roster activity that included adding Daniel Rickert and other adjustments to the 90-man roster.

By bringing in a veteran with regular-season and special-teams experience, the front office added a player who can be used on special-teams units and in rotational defensive packages during preseason evaluations. That allows the coaching staff to allocate preseason reps with experienced backups available for immediate game-day elevations.

Career and special teams record

ContextVerified detail
Draft and early roleSelected in the 2021 fourth round and used as a rotational corner and special-teamer with Philadelphia through the 2024 preseason.
Coverage and tackling (Eagles 2021-22)Allowed 12 completions on 22 targets, missed four of 34 tackle opportunities, recorded one sack and two pass deflections, and did not surrender a touchdown completion.
Special teams highlightRecovered an onside kick and recorded two special-teams tackles in a 2022 win over the Detroit Lions, earning a weekly special-teams honor.
Recent roster pathSpent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad after Philadelphia, was released ahead of last season, and was signed by the Rams to fill the roster spot created after Drey Norwood’s release.

Rams roster construction and SEC recruiting implications

This signing is a roster construction decision to add veteran special-teams depth and a rotational corner available for preseason work. The move addresses an immediate roster need rather than being presented as a long-term developmental investment.