Davis Allen

Colby Parkinson is the primary starter at tight end, with Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen behind him. Allen is firmly in the second tier of the Rams' tight-end corps, despite a fair step up in production in 2025 (24-208-3 line versus 16-134-1 combined from first two seasons).

Allen's arrow is trending down with Parkinson's emergence and Ferguson's big-play ability, and his role could remain capped even though Higbee is set to be a free agent after the season. Allen scored touchdowns in his first two games of 2025 but has failed to find paydirt since, maintaining a tepid 8-59-2 receiving line through early season.

Terrance Ferguson (2025 first-round pick) is entering Year 2 as the Rams' TE1-in-waiting, with a rookie year marked by elite efficiency (20.8 YPR, 32.4% deep target rate). His ascending role directly compresses Allen's already minimal target share.

The Rams now carry five tight ends — Higbee (re-signed 2yr/$8M), Ferguson, Parkinson, Klare (2026 R2), and Allen. Teams rarely carry more than three or four; Allen, with the lowest value and declining usage, is the obvious cut candidate heading into training camp.

The Rams have now invested second-round picks in consecutive years at tight end (Ferguson 2025, Klare 2026). Klare is a highly athletic pass-catcher from Ohio State explicitly drafted to build depth — his arrival directly marginalizes Allen's already-minimal target share.

If Parkinson is traded, injured, or underperforms, Allen could step into a featured role in the Rams offense. The team's investment in McVay's scheme suggests opportunity for the right catalyst.

With Higbee set to be a free agent after the season, Allen's role could increase even further in the final year of his rookie contract. If Higbee departs, Allen could operate as a secondary TE option, though Parkinson and Ferguson are ahead in line.

Tyler Higbee's contract voids on February 16, 2026, and retirement speculation surrounds him. Higbee is among 20 Rams pending free agents. His departure could open additional TE snaps in 13-personnel packages.

Colby Parkinson is a cut candidate due to a big 2026 cap hit. If the Rams move on from Parkinson, Allen would compete with Ferguson for the starting role alongside McVay's heavy personnel usage.

At 25, Allen could exit the Rams logjam after his 2026 contract expires and land as a TE1 or TE2 elsewhere, unlocking dynasty value he cannot access in LA. A move to a TE-needy team would be a significant re-rating catalyst.

Higbee is on a short 2yr/$8M deal the Rams 'could easily move on from' next offseason; if he departs the blocking-TE role consolidates, though Allen is competing with Parkinson for those snaps rather than for receiving volume.