The Los Angeles Rams have released punter Johnny Hekker after 10 seasons.
The Super Bowl champion Rams dropped their longest-tenured player Wednesday night in a move that creates just over $2 million in salary cap room.
Hekker has spent his entire career with the Rams since signing in St. Louis as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State in 2012. He became a four-time All-Pro selection and arguably the NFL's top punter during the 2010s, but his average declined to a career-low 44.2 yards per punt last season.
Along with his punting prowess and his steady hands as the Rams' holder for placekicks, Hekker was a team leader, a popular figure among fans, and even a serious threat to throw the ball on trick plays.