Tyler Higbee Return is Final Nail in Coffin for Failed Rams Signing

The Los Angeles Rams received some great news on Friday ahead of Week 16's collision with the New York Jets.

The Rams have announced that tight end Tyler Higbee didn't carry any designation on the latest injury report. With that being said, the veteran pass-catcher will finally make his long-awaited 2024 debut against the Jets on Sunday after tearing his ACL and MCL during last year's playoffs.

"It's been a long journey," Higbee said about the recovery process. "Some days aren't always the best, but just kept showing up and going to work... Big credit to those guys (who) helped me get back."

While the fanbase is excited about Higbee's comeback, his presence isn't good news for fellow Rams TE Colby Parkinson.

With Higbee set to miss the majority of the 2024 campaign, the Rams went out and signed Parkinson to a three-year, $22.5 million contract. The former Stanford Cardinal had posted 57 catches for 618 yards and four touchdowns in 54 games with the Seattle Seahawks, and the hope was that he could take his game to the next level in an expanded role with the Rams.

Instead of thriving, Parkinson has been one of the Rams' most underwhelming offensive players this season.

Ahead of Week 16, the 25-year-old TE had only caught 29-of-46 targets (63.0%) for 288 receiving yards and a touchdown. His 63.6 offense grade ranks 30th among tight ends on Pro Football Focus while his 56.3 run block grade is the 47th-best mark at his position.

If that isn't bad enough, Rams writer Blaine Grisak has pointed out that Parkinson's ranks 33rd among TEs in terms of target share and 54th in targets per route, highlighting how quickly he's become an afterthought in his team's plans.

If Higbee picks up from where he left off, showing immediate chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams could decide to move on from Parkinson in the offseason. Spotrac indicates that L.A. can save $5.25 million by waiving Parkinson or $7.75 million by trading him after June 1, 2025.

In other words, Parkinson must elevate his performance down the stretch if he doesn't want to risk having to look for a new employer next year.

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