Surprise Tyler Higbee reunion gives Rams something they couldn't get elsewhere

Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee's time with the Los Angeles Rams was up, or so many fans thought. That is, until the team agreed yesterday to bring him back on a two-year, $8 million deal. Before that, his free agency departure seemed all but sealed. Perhaps he would even retire. 

Instead, the Horns are running it back with Higbee for an 11th season, in the hope that he can stay healthier after missing a combined 21 games over the past two years. When on the field, he is still a capable pass catcher and blocker. 

His return preserves another option in the Rams' tight end room, a collection of solid, if unspectacular names often deployed three at a time in head coach Sean McVay's offense. 

It also preserves the connection between this roster and the 2021 Super Bowl team. Aside from quarterback Matthew Stafford, center Coleman Shelton, and tackle Alaric Jackson, Higbee is the only offensive player remaining from the title squad. 

His long-time partnership with Stafford, as a presence in the huddle and a security blanket in the pass game, is something the Rams were not going to get anywhere else. 

Higbee knows his quarterback like the back of his hand - and vice versa

In 2025, Big Rig Higs still brought in 25 passes for 281 yards and three scores. Among LA tight ends, he finished second in receiving yards despite missing seven games. In the playoffs, Higbee caught a pass every game, including receptions of 36 and 27 yards. 

Following his return from injury in late 2024, he racked up 12 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in two postseason games. Even after having his knee blown on a dirty hit up two years ago, he has remained a contributor on the Rams' offense and a favorite target for his quarterback. 

Few players on the current roster were there when Stafford carried Los Angeles to the promised land his first season on the job. Tutu Atwell was a rookie that year, but he seems unlikely to return in free agency. Cooper Kupp was released last offseason and won a second Super Bowl with Seattle. 

Among Stafford's offensive playmakers, Higbee is the last man standing. 

No. 9 has other options at tight end, of course, in Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen. He has an instant red zone go-to target in receiver Davante Adams. Still, it could be nice to have Higbee around. The five seasons' experience between him and Stafford speaks to a chemistry no other free agent or draft pick could provide.

For that reason alone, the inexpensive signing is worthwhile.

Even on LA's own roster, Higbee knows Sean McVay's offense better than Ferguson, a 2025 draft pick. Parkinson arrived in free agency only two seasons ago. Allen was drafted in 2023.

The longest-tenured Ram after Rob Havenstein's retirement, Higbee has spent 10 seasons with the franchise. Ferguson, Parkinson, and Allen have given Los Angeles six combined.

If he can still play, even at 33, why not bring him back for cheap? Before too long, that Super Bowl team will be scattered across the league or getting comfortable in retirement. For now, the Rams still have Higbee.