Tight end Tyler Higbee, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract on Thursday, as reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. This deal keeps Higbee from entering free agency next week, ensuring he remains a key player for the Rams.
Jordan Schultz emphasized Higbee’s importance, stating,
“Higbee remains a valuable player and leader for Sean McVay and the locker room as the Rams’ all-time leader among TEs in receptions, yards and TDs,”
and added,
“Tyler Higbee has been in LA since the Rams moved there. He’s an essential component to Sean McVay’s offense and is now secured for two more years.”
?Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider
Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport soon confirmed the agreement. If Higbee remains with the team without being traded or released, he will complete a dozen seasons in Los Angeles. The 33-year-old tight end celebrated his birthday in January.
Veteran Tight End’s Value and Career Progress with the Rams
The deal resolves uncertainty over Higbee’s future, as he was set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 9. With this contract, he will be on the Rams roster through the 2026 season for what would be his 11th year with the franchise.
Although advancing in age, Higbee’s production has slowed. In the 2025 season, he recorded 25 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns across 10 games. Nevertheless, Schultz outlined the reasons behind Higbee’s continued value to the team since his selection in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft at pick No. 110 overall.
Head coach Sean McVay joined the Rams in Higbee’s second year, and since then, the tight end has consistently surpassed 200 receiving yards every season except for 2024 when he played just three games. His peak performance came in 2019, with 69 catches, 734 yards, and three touchdowns, marking the start of a streak with at least 500 yards in four consecutive seasons. In 2023, that streak ended narrowly, with Higbee totaling 495 receiving yards.
Over his career, he has accumulated 386 receptions, 3,949 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns, ranking first in each category among Rams tight ends. Additionally, his 386 receptions place him eighth all-time in franchise history.
Overview of the Rams’ Tight End Roster Heading into 2026
With Higbee’s contract extension, the Rams have secured one of their two veteran tight ends expected to hit free agency—Nick Vannett remains unsigned. The returning group includes rookie Terrance Ferguson alongside Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson, all under contract for the upcoming season. Higbee stands as the fourth tight end from last year’s roster to return for next season.
All five tight ends saw game action in the 2025 season, leaving open the possibility of additional signings at the position in free agency. Vannett’s contributions were limited, participating in just 24 offensive snaps and 51 on special teams. Parkinson led the group with 54.71% of offensive snaps, while Higbee accounted for 32.25%. Allen and Ferguson primarily contributed on special teams.
Implications of Retaining a Key Offensive Leader
Extending Tyler Higbee reinforces the Rams’ commitment to experienced leadership within their tight end corps and stabilizes one of the offense’s consistent targets. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, retaining Higbee helps preserve continuity and veteran presence around Sean McVay’s system. His role as a locker room leader and top statistical contributor among tight ends remains significant as the Rams aim to build on their recent campaigns.
Tyler Higbee has been in LA since the #Rams moved there. He’s an essential component to Sean McVay’s offense and is now secured for two more years. https://t.co/GbPDAlkfUt
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 6, 2026
