It was reasonable to think that Tyler Higbee’s status as a tight end was secure through 2025 when the Los Angeles Rams extended his contract in September of last year. However, Higbee was hit low by safety Kerby Joseph, which resulted in a ruptured ACL during the wildcard loss to the Detroit Lions. Higbee will most likely miss the entirety of training camp and the opening of the regular season. He might not even be able to round into 100% form until late in 2024, when he is eligible to play football.
Though they committed salary cap resources to Higbee’s agreement just six months ago, the Rams will probably need to address the tight end issue this offseason. In order to avoid having a clear short-term vulnerability, LA is essentially paying a starter to sit out this season. They could even need to go into the experienced free agent pool.
Supporters will be eager to highlight Davis Allen’s impressive rookie campaign. Last year, the team selected Allen in the fifth round out of Clemson. Last year, Allen was targeted eleven times, and he caught ten receptions for a touchdown and 95 yards. When the Rams rested most of their starters in anticipation of the playoffs, he started against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
It’s difficult for rookie tight ends to get noticed right away. Players typically take longer to establish themselves in significant roles at this position, so Allen’s efforts are heartening. Despite missing the first two exhibition games, he had perhaps his greatest preseason showing when he caught eight passes for 53 yards in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
While it’s reasonable to be interested in what Allen might have in the long run, it might not make sense for Los Angeles, a team that wants to contend right now, to crown the second-year player as the clear heir to the greatest tight end in franchise history, Higbee.
Not to be overlooked is the reality that most teams view tight end as a position that requires two players of the highest caliber, a view that the Rams have not always shared. It’s evident that LA has switched from zone runs to a gap-based strategy, so maybe the long-term plan was for Higbee and Allen to work in tandem to help create channels on the ground.
In the end, the Rams will probably need to get a new tight end this year who can start. It seems unlikely that this answer will be found in the draft given the nature of the job.
While Higbee recovers from his ruptured ACL, whose veteran tight end might the Rams consider adding?
Options for veteran free agents at TE include Dallas Texans’ Dalton Schultz.
Considering that the Rams have already paid top bucks for Higbee’s extension from last year, it is tough to imagine them shopping at the top of the market. Nevertheless, Schultz may make an immediate contribution given his background in a scheme similar to McVay.
Prior to joining the Rams staff in 2023, Hunter Henry, the coach of the New England Patriots TEs, and Nick Caley, the coordinator of the passing game, collaborated with Henry in New England. Henry was a first-round selection who had early success with the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite this, he hasn’t yet been able to establish himself as a premier tight end. Henry shouldn’t break the bank because Pro Football Focus (PFF) forecasts that his free agent contract will be worth slightly over $6 million over two years. He is still just over thirty years old.
Russell Wilson was acquired by the Denver Broncos, and part of the return package was Seattle Seahawks Fant, Noah Fant. Although he hasn’t yet reached his full potential in terms of productivity, he was once selected in the first round, and his agility and ability to run after the catch still pique our interest.
Unless LA wants to wager on the attributes, I’m not sure Fant meets the requirements for the Rams because he’s not a reliable option you can plug in right away.
Gerald Everett, Chargers of Los Angeles
Is McVay going to be back with Everett? The Rams might see Allen as a blocker to replace Higbee, and Everett could provide value as a pass receiver. Despite this, Everett is a frustrating player who, after around seven NFL seasons, exhibits mental lapses. He gave up just this season, during a play against the Kansas City Chiefs at the goal line that set up a lengthy interception return for a touchdown.
Adam Trautman, Broncos of Denver
At 27, Trautman is a plus blocker who occasionally can also assist in the underneath passing game. He might be a reliable plug-and-play contributor. He probably won’t cost more than $2–$3 million a year.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ Austin Hooper
Hooper still has a lot of athletic talent, so you know what you are getting, but will the Rams target someone with a better ceiling?
The New England Patriots’ Mike Gesicki
Rather than being a real tight end replacement for Higbee in the running game, he is more of a slot receiver.
Johnny Mundt, Vikings of Minnesota
Though LA might aim higher, a reunion would make sense for Mundt and the Rams.
The New England Patriots’ Jonnu Smith
Smith was recently cut by New England. The Patriots were paying him more than $12 million a year. Would a team needing a tight end spend heavily to lock down the position, or might the Rams get a good return for him?
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