Tight end was one of the Los Angeles Rams’ smaller needs this offseason following a season where the trio of Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen all finished with fewer than 70 receiving yards each. Granted, Higbee missed all but three games with an injury, but the point still stands that the Rams needed tight end help.
L.A. tried to remedy that situation by drafting Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson with the No. 46 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after trading back from the No. 26 pick. But he likely won’t begin the season as the starter, even though Higbee was ranked among the worst starting tight ends in the NFL by Pro Football Focus’ John Kosko. Higbee came in at No. 26 on Kosko’s list, right after Seattle Seahawks’ tight end Noah Fant.
“Higbee could be on his way out in a contract year after the Rams selected Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft,” Kosko wrote. “He is coming off an injury-shortened 2024 season but has been productive when healthy. His 79.1 PFF receiving grade in 2024 shows he has good play left in the tank, but at 32 years old, his prime is behind him.”
Therein lies the crux of why Higbee isn’t long for the Rams: He’s older, injured and only slightly productive. His best season came in 2019 when he caught 69 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns, while Higbee’s best season with quarterback Matthew Stafford came in 2022 when he caught 72 passes for 620 yards and three touchdowns. Ferguson is the heir apparent to the position and could even take control of the job early this season.
For now, it’s Higbee’s show. The veteran will be crucial for Ferguson’s development early on. The two could even see offensive packages together as Sean McVay looks to add some wrinkles for 2025. But at least the Rams have a plan for the position now.
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