The Los Angeles Rams added veteran depth at wide receiver on Tuesday, signing Alex Bachman to a one-year contract and waiving injured receiver Mario Williams in a corresponding move.
The 30-year-old Westlake Village native returns to the team that first gave him an NFL opportunity as an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest in 2019.
Bachman was waived with an injury settlement that September and has since bounced between the New York Giants, Houston Texans, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Bachman appeared in 13 games for the Raiders last season, primarily on special teams. He returned 22 punts for 124 yards and added two receptions for 12 yards on offense.
His career totals stand at five catches for 43 yards across 23 games, along with 234 return yards. He has carved out a reputation as a reliable special-teams contributor and gunner.
What stands out about Bachman is his athletic profile. He ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, showing good speed, while his 4.28-second short shuttle and outstanding 6.71-second three-cone drill highlight terrific agility.
Those change-of-direction numbers help explain why evaluators have long praised him as a crisp route runner capable of sharp breaks and clean releases. Scouting reports from his Wake Forest days noted his quick feet, body control, and ability to work the entire route tree, particularly from the slot.
At Oaks Christian High School and later Wake Forest, Bachman finished his college career with 82 receptions for 1,162 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He has never been a high-volume producer at the next level, but his work ethic and versatility have kept him in the league for seven seasons.
The signing comes as the Rams manage injuries in the receiver room. Star Puka Nacua has been dealing with psoas soreness and remains day-to-day, sitting out recent practices as the team takes a cautious approach.
Bachman provides a veteran body who knows the building and can contribute immediately on special teams while competing for offensive snaps.
A Southern California product coming home, Bachman will have an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster given the Rams’ depth.
Yet his speed, agility, and precise route-running give him a chance to stick as a depth piece and return specialist.
For a player who has spent much of his career on practice squads, another opportunity with his original team represents a full-circle moment.
