Rams FA discounts prove players believe in team in 2024

TE Colby Parkinson (3 years, $22,500,000) - Fog has descended upon the LA Rams' tight end room, blocking any view of what the future may bring to the position. Both starting tight end Tyler Higbee and veteran tight end Hunter Long are injured, and their return may not happen before the start of the 2024 NFL season. Second-year TE Davis Allen flashed at times, but that is a far cry from stepping into a starting role for every play. And so, the Rams signed former Seattle Seahawks TE Colby Parkinson.

The contract is excessive for a backup tight end who will likely see no more than 25 percent of the offensive snaps. But Higbee is coming off a major injury, is over 31 years old, and his return in 2024 is very much up in the air. I viewed Parkinson as the heir apparent to Higbee in this offense, and others agree. Still, projecting him as the next starting tight end for the LA Rams is a huge leap. For now? Let's just see how this develops.

Neutral Value

LG Jonah Jackson (3 years, $51 million) - I certainly did not have the LA Rams shopping for a veteran offensive guard on my bingo card. But having done so, and thereby migrating IOL Steve Avila to the center position, the team has arguably the best interior offensive line in the NFL heading into 2024. Jackson was cited as the most important free agent from the Detroit Lions in 2024, and the Rams were more than happy to reunite him with his former quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

Jackson is very much an ideal addition to a Rams offensive line that wants to get bigger, stronger, and more physical, and 6-foot-4 311-pound left guard Jonah Jackson gets them there. A former Pro Bowler, Jackson is perfectly matched to Kevin Dotson, as both players excel at blocking for either the pass or the run. Jackson's highlight reels often include footage of his leading a running play and delivering brutal blocks to spring the running back for big yardage.

As to value? Just like Dotson, the Rams signed a top-tier interior offensive lineman below market price.

Great value