RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 11: Punter Jack Bouwmeester #19 of the Texas Longhorns holds the Golden Hat while surrounded by fans after winning the Allstate Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas on October 11, 2025, at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Rams signed punter Jack Bouwmeester on Sunday, giving them two on the 90-man roster headed into their second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints this week. Bouwmeester is Australian and qualifies for the league’s international pathway program exemption, meaning that the Rams can control his rights without him counting against their practice squad limits.
Ethan Evans continues to be one of the best punters in the NFL, so this signing would seemingly not be a threat to his job.
The Rams signed former 49ers punter Jack Bouwmeester as their international exemption (doesn't count vs roster limit). I am sure the NFL is happy that the Aussie therefore remains on track to be in Melbourne for Week 1
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) August 16, 2026
Bouwmeester, 27, played college football for Michigan State, Utah, and Texas. He went undrafted this year and signed with the San Francisco 49ers, but was waived last week. He was first-team All-Pac 12 in 2023 and second-team All-Big 12 in 2024.
Special teams has been a longstanding problem for Sean McVay, so maybe Bouwmeester just gives L.A. more options moving forward, and maybe if Evans is dealing with any issues, he gives the team a punter for the rest of the preseason.
Ethan Evans needs to get more hang time on his punts. It's been an issue since his rookie season…he gets good distance, but he puts so much pressure on the Rams' coverage unit b/c he out-kicks the coverage unit by 15+ yards.
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@BGMediaOnSI) August 15, 2026
If the Rams want, they can keep Bouwmeester on their practice squad after final cuts, without counting against their 16-man limit, until they or another team put him on their 53.
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