Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has been a reliable target throughout his career, but what would a career year mean for him?
Why Los Angeles Rams Tight End Tyler Higbee Needs a Career Year in 2026
Injuries
Higbee has been a valuable member of the Rams, but after two injury-plagued seasons, he needs a bounce back year. The longtime Rams tight end tore his ACL and MCL in the 2023 Wild Card game against the Detroit Lions. Higbee spent most of the 2024 season recovering from the injury.
Higbee has battled injuries throughout his NFL career. In 2021, he suffered a knee injury in the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers and missed the Super Bowl. Last season, he missed seven games due to an ankle injury.
The 33-year-old Rams tight end has been a dependable target for the team. Whether playing with former Rams quarterback Jared Goff or current quarterback Matthew Stafford. Higbee has done a great job of consistently producing.
Higbee’s Importance
Despite not having a 1,000 receiving yard season, Higbee is instrumental in the Rams 13 personnel-based offense.
“[Tight end depth] gives us the ability to mix personnels. And ultimately, it’s how do we bring it to life? What does that really look like? But I feel like we’ve got a really deep tight end room. [Tight end coach] Scooter [Scott] Huff has done an excellent job. Tyler Higbee leading the way. I think Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen have been outstanding, and I’ve really been pleased with Terrance Ferguson… That gives us a real chance to be versatile,” head coach Sean McVay said.
After the 2024 season, McVay said he wanted a more versatile offense. Since then, the Rams have become the premier 13 personnel-based offense which features three tight ends. Last season, the Rams led the NFL in 13 personnel usage at 30.5%. Higbee plays a vital role as the longest-tenured tight end and knows what it takes to succeed.
Higbee recently signed a two-year, $6 million extension and Los Angeles knows he is valuable beyond his skill and talent. The Rams tight end has 10 years under his belt and brings lots of experience and knowledge.
“[Having Higbee back] is great. I think it’s a tremendous credit to the work that he’s done behind the scenes, out here, and the influence, effect, and impact really that he has on his teammates. It means a lot from just his overall leadership,” McVay said.
Higbee as a Mentor
“This is probably the deepest room I’ve been a part of since I’ve been here. A lot of guys can play top to bottom… I’ve seen a lot of ball, played a lot of snaps, so (I) try to pass on all the knowledge I can,” Higbee said.
He’s even become a mentor to tight end Terrance Ferguson who just finished his rookie season.
“I just told him I’d mentor the kid, do the best I can and go compete,” Higbee said.
Rams coaching staff and Higbee’s teammates have all praised the energy and leadership that he brings, something they missed while he was injured.
“Ever since we got him back out there, he’s just a fun guy to be around. He loves playing this game, whether it’s his role on scout team the last couple weeks or with the offense out there running plays. He’s a guy that brings great energy,” Stafford said when Higbee returned from his injury in 2024.
At 33 years old and after several injury riddled years, Higbee can bounce back and have a great year. The Rams as favorites to win the Super Bowl can give Higbee a chance to win his second Super Bowl.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
