​Alex Bachman is the L.A. Rams new punt returner (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images With regards to the Los Angeles Rams special teams, fans are chafing and coaches are desperately trying to correct the steering of a unit that is careening towards disaster. The most recent move came late this week when L.A. parted ways with Xavier Smith, the Rams primary punt returner of three seasons. The release should be considered a mostly symbolic move. At this point, the Rams simply don’t have a lot of options to upgrade his absence. Any move made this close to game day should not be construed as permanent.  The L.A. braintrust does indeed have some in-house options, but should not be afraid to pull the trigger on a player from the outside that can improve the lineup.Trying to look at the situation with a view longer than just the Philadelphia Eagles game, who can the Rams decide upon to rejuvenate their return game?The current L.A. roster holds a couple of in-house options and a scan of available free agents  provides six names that stand out as possible season-long replacements. Actually seven with the addition of Kyren Williams and although his profile is not in this exercise, the odds would favor him being the eventual choice.I knew I had that laying around somewhereAlex Bachman – ( age 30) 5’ 11” 195 lb.Originally signed by the Rama as an undrafted free agent back in 2019. He made stops with the New York Giants (2019-22), Houston Texans (1922-24), and Las Vegas Raiders (2025) before re-joining the Rams this August past. Over that six-year span, he’s played in 22 games with one start, totaling 151 reps on offense and 213 on special teams.With 22 punt returns, last season with the Raiders was his first as a team’s primary returner. He accrued a modest 124 yards for a 5.6 average. His long was 25 yards and he had one fumble on the season. He has also put in work on coverage teams, making nine tackles over the pst two seasons. Bachman is physically bigger than most returners and it would be interesting to have access to his current speed numbers. Coming out in 2019, he ran a 4.47 forty with a 1. 58 10-yard split, quite similar to the man he endeavors to replace, Xavier Smith, just a shade less burst.Brennan Presley – ( age 24) 5’ 8” 175 lb. The Rams plucked him from the undrafted ranks in 2025. He fits the Rams mold of over-achievers that win with effort, toughness, and football IQ. With his 4.53 forty and 1.64 split, Presley is not super fast. He is however an outstanding open-field runner and was a highly productive returner in college. On offense, he shows excellent hands and is a disciplined route runner. He has a stash of receiving/return records at Oklahoma State.80 days until Oklahoma State Cowboy football#80 Brennan Presley with the 100 yard TD return in 2021 Bedlam. So excited he’s back for one more year. #GoPokespic.twitter.com/ffMfVo0vhx— BuffalOKstate (@BuffalOKstate) June 12, 2024Tutu Atwell – ( age 27