Veteran TE re-signed on reduced deal; likely loses feature role to younger competition

Re-signed by the Rams for 2026 on a two-year deal worth up to $8 million with only half guaranteed—well below his previous contract. Now 33 and entering his 11th season as the Rams' longest-tenured player, Higbee is unlikely to hold a feature role in the offense given the team's fully stocked tight end room. His role will depend on how the younger tight ends (Terrance Ferguson and Max Klare) are deployed; if they function as pseudo-WR#3, Higbee should see fair rotation work. He remains a better blocker than both youngsters and Sean McVay/Matthew Stafford are comfortable targeting him on screen passes, but injury durability is a concern at his age.