Rams trade idea would send former fourth-round pick packing very soon

The Los Angeles Rams have a very competent trio of tight ends in oft-injured starter Tyler Higbee, sixth-year backup Colby Parkinson (who signed a three-year contract just one year ago), and rookie second-round pick Terrance Ferguson. That trio might not stick together very long, however.

The Rams may look to move off one of their two veterans in the name of ensuring that Ferguson can walk into the 2025 season with a good chunk of playing time at his feet. Of the two players who could be moved, a healthy Higbee might be harder for Los Angeles to part ways with.

Tight end trades right before the season are uncommon, but a 6-7 player with great blocking skills and soft hands is sure to appeal to teams who want a better running game and passing game in the middle of the field.

If the Rams are looking for trade partners who are in need of a tight end, a Miami Dolphins team that was so desperate for a starter at the position that they pulled Darren Waller out of retirement might be in the mood to surrender a draft pick in 2026 in the name of getting a reliable, consistent performer for the 2025 season.

This Rams trade would send Colby Parkinson away to the Dolphins

Parkinson caught 30 passes for 294 yards while flexing some improved blocking skills. However, Parkinson hauled in just one touchdown pass last season, which comes after he tallied just four touchdowns during his four-season career with the Seattle Seahawks.

As has been proven with Jonnu Smith last season prior to his trade, McDaniel's offense can get creative with a quality receiving tight end. Waller is a very unknown commodity after being ripped from the ranks of the retired, and it would behoove the Dolphins to make one more addition with higher upside as a blocker.

The Rams, meanwhile, can kick-start their new-look tight end room instantly. Higbee can handle the 2025 season, while Ferguson now has a very clear path to playing time (when healthy) in the immediate future. Les Snead would get another Day 3 pick that he could play around with.

Parkinson has a role in the NFL, but the Rams wouldn't have used such an important pick on Ferguson if they didn't expect him to eventually turn him into a starter. If LA is dead set on making a trade before the season, look for Parkinson to head the other way.