Former Rams Preseason Star Lance McCutcheon Retires from NFL

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Lance McCutcheon, an undrafted wide receiver who led the NFL in receiving yards during the 2022 preseason with the Los Angeles Rams, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 26. Despite his impressive preseason performance, McCutcheon was unable to make a regular season roster and spent time on the practice squads of several teams before deciding to step away from the game.

Why it matters

McCutcheon's story resonated with many NFL fans as an underdog who briefly shone in the preseason only to have his dreams of making a roster ultimately fall short. His retirement highlights the challenges undrafted players face in trying to carve out a lasting career in the league, even after a standout preseason performance.

The details

After signing with the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Montana in 2022, McCutcheon led the NFL in preseason receiving yards with 259, including a long of 60 yards and two touchdowns. He made the Rams' initial 53-man roster that year but was waived the following season during final roster cuts. McCutcheon then had brief stints on the practice squads of the Texans, Jets, Steelers and Titans before deciding to retire this week at the age of 26, having only appeared in one regular season game without recording a reception.

• McCutcheon signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
• In the 2022 preseason, McCutcheon led the NFL in receiving yards with 259.
• McCutcheon made the Rams' initial 53-man roster in 2022 but was waived the following year.
• After his time with the Rams, McCutcheon had practice squad stints with several other teams.
• McCutcheon announced his retirement from the NFL this week at the age of 26.