Matt Stafford’s Impact on Tight Ends: A Closer Look
The Los Angeles Rams’ tight end situation is currently under scrutiny. As rookie Terrance Ferguson waits for his chance, many speculate if the team drafted him with quarterback Matthew Stafford’s retirement in mind. Stafford’s history with utilizing tight ends effectively is questionable. The Rams’ tight end group is now considered one of the least productive in the NFL.
Current Tight End Performance
As of now, Tyler Higbee leads the Rams’ tight ends in routes run, boasting 103 routes and 15 targets. He has recorded 10 catches for 102 receiving yards, averaging 4.9 air yards per target, along with a single touchdown. Despite having a relatively friendly contract, Higbee’s cap hit stands at $8.7 million, ranking him 15th among all tight ends.
- Higbee’s success rate in 2025 is 46.7%, the lowest since 2017.
- He ranks 34th among tight ends in receiving yards.
- Career average: 2.5 touchdowns per season.
Davis Allen follows, having run 53 routes with 9 targets, making 7 catches for 55 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 7 air yards per target. In contrast, Colby Parkinson, who has run 33 routes and received 5 targets, has only produced 4 catches totaling 11 yards, averaging 4.8 air yards per target.
Financial Implications of Tight End Decisions
Parkinson’s cap hit of $9.8 million is higher than Higbee’s despite his minimal effectiveness. This places him 13th among tight ends in the league. Over at Next Gen Stats, he ranks 111th out of 113 tight ends in estimated points added (EPA), indicating the poor performance level. His lack of production, coupled with a low target rate, raises questions about the Rams’ assessment of player performance.
- Parkinson: 4 catches on 5 targets.
- Higbee: 10 catches on 15 targets.
- Allen: 7 catches on 9 targets.
Rams’ Draft Choices and Future Potential
The Rams’ decisions regarding tight ends are being closely examined, especially the impact on rookie Ferguson. With Higbee’s declining production and Parkinson’s lack of success, concerns about Ferguson’s future with the team grow. Tight ends are traditionally slower to develop, but NFL teams expect early contributions from draft picks.
The Rams have four years to evaluate Ferguson under his rookie contract. However, if he remains underutilized, it could reflect poor strategic decisions within the organization. Many successful tight ends have proven their value early in their careers, raising questions regarding Ferguson’s place in the team’s future plans.
Notably, Stafford’s track record with tight ends like T.J. Hockenson and Eric Ebron showcases a pattern of underperformance. Despite being drafted highly, both players thrived more after leaving the Lions, suggesting a systemic issue rather than an individual player’s talent.
Summary
The Los Angeles Rams face a significant dilemma regarding their tight end utilization. With Matthew Stafford’s inconsistent history in maximizing tight end potential and rookie Terrance Ferguson awaiting his opportunity, the team’s strategy moving forward will be pivotal. Understanding Stafford’s impact on tight ends could ultimately shape the Rams’ decision-making process regarding their future personnel. Without a drastic change, the Rams risk losing valuable opportunities to develop their young talent.
