Rams next move after the Kyren Williams extension is painfully obvious

The Los Angeles Rams have taken two priority 'must-do' actions off their checklist. But can Rams General Manager Les Snead call it a day? I don't think so, as there is still more work to do. After all, the Rams have secured QB Matthew Stafford and RB Kyren Williams to new deals. So, who is next in line?

Related: Kyren Williams extension sets Rans up perfectly for post Matthew Stafford era

The Los Angeles Rams are systematically locking in veterans who remain vital to the success of this team. With the extension of Kyren Williams, the Rams have an opportunity to allow both running backs, Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter, to develop and earn snaps and carries organically.

Williams continues to be one of the most effective rushers in the NFL. Now, he takes his place among one of the highest-paid running backs as well.

Who else might fit the Rams' need of giving young players a chance to earn snaps and targets organically? The Rams should pivot to extend veteran tight end Tyler Higbee.

After Kyren Williams' extension, Tyler Higbee is up next

Some have already begun to speculate that DB Quentin Lake is the next in line. But I disagree. When John Johnson III had what should have been a Pro Bowl season in 2020, the Rams did not extend him. The Rams' front office simply does not place much value on continuity at the safety position. I have no reason to believe that's changed.

While the team continues to shove players into the running back and tight end rooms, the actions do little to move the needle once the team plays a new season. Whether justified or not, the team seldom directs offensive snaps or opportunities to contribute to the offense to rookies. The team seems content to maintain the status quo.

When Higbee sat out most of 2024 due to an ACL injury, the team had no choice but to attempt to find reasonable alternatives at tight end. The team trialed Colby Parkinson, Hunter Long, and Davis Allen and generated one touchdown from the trio all season. In the final three games of the season, Higbee played and scored two touchdowns.

How urgent is the need to extend Higbee? Well, because three tight ends scored once throughout all of 2024, and Higbee needed just three games to score twice, a Higbee extension is the most obvious. The team cannot turn over the reins at the tight end position to either unproven or unproductive players.

Even if rookie Terrance Ferguson has a breakout rookie season, the team would be wise to keep Higbee around, if only for one more year.

As always, thanks for reading.

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