The Los Angeles Rams’ tight end situation has become a topic of intense scrutiny as the team navigates the season with rookie Terrance Ferguson seemingly sidelined in their game plan. The evaluation of Ferguson’s role raises questions about the Rams’ strategy, particularly with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford’s uncertain future. Stafford’s history with tight ends has been less than stellar, which prompts speculation about whether Ferguson was drafted as a long-term investment rather than an immediate contributor.
As the season unfolds, the Rams’ tight end group has struggled for production, with Tyler Higbee leading the pack with a mere 103 routes run and 10 catches for 102 yards, translating to a low success rate. Higbee’s performance is particularly concerning, featuring only one touchdown and ranking poorly among tight ends. His cap hit of $8.7 million is significant, yet he fails to deliver as a consistent red-zone threat, averaging just 2.5 touchdowns per season throughout his career.
Davis Allen is another tight end in the mix, with better production numbers than Higbee. He has been targeted nine times for seven catches and two touchdowns. However, the overall tight end corps still lacks a formidable downfield option, which further emphasizes the team’s predicament. Colby Parkinson, a sought-after free agent, has also fallen short of expectations with limited routes and targets, only compounding the Rams’ tight end woes.
The Rams’ tight ends are not being utilized effectively in the passing game, and the dire statistics reflect Stafford’s reluctance to target them frequently. Higbee is targeted only every 6.9 routes, which is unusual for a player in the higher salary bracket for tight ends. This lack of engagement raises further doubts about the Rams’ tight end investments, especially given the performance of other tight ends around the league.
Interestingly, the trajectory of tight ends under Stafford’s leadership is concerning. Historical data shows that tight ends typically excelled while Stafford was away, only to underperform during his tenure. Hockenson and Ebron, once drafted high by the Lions, found success elsewhere, suggesting a pattern that could similarly affect Ferguson if he remains underutilized.
Despite being a high draft pick, Ferguson has amassed only 21 yards on one catch, trailing behind other rookie tight ends who are performing at a higher level. This has fueled speculation about whether the Rams may have miscalculated his potential, especially since rookies who can contribute tend to offer significant value for teams still under their rookie contracts.
As the Rams continue to grapple with underperformance in their tight end unit, the absence of a clear plan for Ferguson’s development has apparent implications for both his future and the franchise’s aspirations. With Stafford’s window potentially closing, the urgency for impactful development is glaring. The team’s ability to re-strategize and integrate Ferguson into the offense will be crucial moving forward; otherwise, valuable opportunities may be lost, impacting the team’s growth and success in the coming years. Ultimately, hope lies in the possibility that Rams’ management will recognize the gaps and adjust their approach, allowing younger talent the chance to shine even in challenging circumstances.