Panthers-Rams trade speculation should have Les Snead intrigued

It's no stretch of the imagination to assert that the Los Angeles Rams have a problem of abundance where the tight end position is concerned.

Even for an offense that loves 13-personnel formations, the TE room is jam-packed. Including undrafted free agent signings, the number is eight. Counting rookie Max Klare and sophomore Terrance Ferguson, five tight ends are either returning veterans or otherwise projected to make the 53-man roster. The math doesn't math.

Most teams do not enjoy that level of luxury. The Carolina Panthers are one such team, as recently pointed out by Cat Crave expert Dean Jones.

Jones notes that Bleacher Report's Moe Moton suggested the Panthers ready a mid-round draft pick to acquire Parkinson. Jones loves the idea, and it's rapidly gaining support from a cohort of Rams fans as well.

Writes Moton: "Though Parkinson led the Rams' tight ends with eight touchdowns last year, the club may be willing to trade him if Ferguson (a 2025 second-rounder) and Klare show they're ready to take on big roles this year."

Klare and Ferguson could make Parkinson redundant

With LA hurting for 2027 draft assets, every opportunity to net additional selections should get general manager Les Snead's ear. As it now stands, Los Angeles will step up to the podium just four times in the next draft. Those picks come in Rounds 2, 4, 5, and 6, which is a bit concerning.

While trading away the room's top option may seem counter-productive when the team is actively going all-in, there are reasons to believe it could happen. That depends on how rapidly Klare and Ferguson establish command of the offense and chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Klare's rookie status could make it difficult to contribute to the Rams' complex offense. Ferguson caught only 44 percent of his targets last season. Still, the team cannot carry five tight ends, and neither Ferguson nor Klare is on the chopping block.

The team just extended veteran Tyler Higbee, touting his leadership and locker-room presence in the process. Davis Allen was tremendously effective in a light role last season. He is inexpensive, an outstanding blocker, a solid receiver, and entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Parkinson makes sense as a trade candidate because he is at peak value and because he is the most expensive tight end on the roster. The key is how effectively and quickly Klare and Ferguson show up in training camp. If both impress, Parkinson could attract interest from multiple suitors.

Of course, it's all speculation at this point. There are several boxes to be checked before Les Snead entertains offers for Parkinson, or any player for that matter. But shedding a third-round pick to acquire a proven tight end is a Panthers-Rams deal that would benefit both sides.

As always, thanks for reading.

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