Max Klare has power to make Rams veteran unexpectedly dispensable

The Los Angeles Rams liked Max Klare so much that they took him in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft despite having four capable tight ends already on the roster. That might also have something to do with how much Sean McVay loves his tight ends in general, but still, it was quite the endorsement.

Depending on what Klare looks like in training camp, veteran tight end Colby Parkinson could suddenly be on the trading block. The other part of the equation in drafting a tight end, of course, is that both Davis Allen and Parkinson are pending free agents. 

Well, if Klare looks ready for a role in the rotation, the Horns might look to cut bait with Parkinson ahead of schedule. In a trade, at least, they would get something back, whereas waiting would likely mean losing Parkinson for nothing in free agency.

Rams can consider Parkinson expendable if Klare appears ready

Parkinson had a career year in LA last season, leading the tight end room with 43 catches, 408 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. While parting with the 27-year-old ex-Seahawk might seem foolish, the Rams could trade him at a sell-high price point. 

Allen, Tyler Higbee, and Terrance Ferguson are all solid options. Throw Klare into the mix and McVay would have as many tight ends as he used last year. And that was with Higbee missing seven games due to injury. 

For depth, Rams fans should also get to know undrafted free agent Dan Villari, a converted quarterback who just had his best college season at Syracuse. Given the right opportunity, he could have a real shot to make the team. Rest assured, there will be no shortage of tight ends on the Rams' roster.

Klare is coming off a nice year of his own for the Buckeyes, though it was not his best. In 2025, he compiled 43 catches for 48 yards and two scores. Compare that to 2024 with Purdue, when Klare accounted for 51 catches, 685 yards, and four TDs in two fewer games. It would be no surprise to see him contribute as a rookie.

The Rams may not need to rely on Parkinson quite as much this season, anyway. Hopefully Higbee stays healthy. Granted, that's a big if. But Ferguson will enter his sophomore season with plenty to prove. It's too early to sour on the former 46th pick. He could easily supply at least a modest increase in production.

In that case, merely matching Ferguson's pedestrian rookie numbers while doing the requisite dirty work as a blocker could be plenty from Klare. There is also a world where Klare leapfrogs Ferguson himself. On top of that, old man Higbee is a veteran security blanket and still led Rams tight ends in yards per game last season.

Provided everyone stays healthy through the preseason, turning Parkinson's expiring contract into a mid-round draft pick might be the Horns' best bet. To be clear, that's all hypothetical. Klare can make it a realistic possibility, if not a no-brainer. Rams brass will keep a keen eye on him throughout spring and summer workouts. 

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