It has long been speculated that Rams tight end Tyler Higbee could retire this year, but one thing for certain is that his contract will expire next week. Higbee’s contract officially voids on February 16th.
Higbee had 91 yards in the season finale against the Cardinals and was still a part of the offense in all three playoff games, so it’s not quite assured that there’s no value left in the 33-year-old tight end. With Rob Havenstein retiring this week, many still believe that Higbee will be next to call it a career.
As Steven Ridings wrote, Higbee has been “the emotional core” of Sean McVay’s offense:
If Havenstein was the quiet backbone, Tyler Higbee has long been part of the leadership core. Higbee has grown alongside the McVay era—from early inconsistency to becoming a trusted weapon and vocal presence. He has seen Super Bowl highs and injury-laden lows. He understands perspective.
If Higbee decides to retire, the Rams lose a player who bridges eras. He connected veterans to young skill players. He understood how to lead without alienating. In a locker room that’s getting younger by the year, that kind of presence matters.
With the Rams investing a second round pick in Tyler Ferguson last year, is the team ready for a new generation at tight end?
Furthermore, not only do the Rams hope to develop Ferguson into a starter but Colby Parkinson became one of Matthew Stafford’s top targets in the second half of 2025. Parkinson caught eight touchdowns, almost double the combined total of his career touchdowns prior to the season.
Between those two and Davis Allen, the Rams seem to have their tight ends for next season.
And yet that didn’t stop Higbee from gaining favor over Allen and Ferguson at certain points of last season.
The decision may not be L.A.’s to make if Higbee retires. The choice won’t be so easy if it does end up being in the hands of the Rams.
See More:
