The Los Angeles Rams kept their spending spree going ahead of the 2019 NFL season by securing tight end Tyler Higbee to a four-year, $31 million extension.
Los Angeles went into the offseason with a number of key players looking for some potential long-term security. It is clear that Higbee was among those they were hoping to take care of before the start of the regular season.
The 26-year-old has been a solid contributor during the Rams’ resurgence on offense in recent years. He is now ready to kick things up a notch after receiving his lucrative payday.
According to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com, Higbee is looking forward continuing to build with the Rams:
“I’m excited to be here,” Higbee said. “I love this coaching staff. I want to thank the organization, (owner/chairman) Mr. (Stan) Kroenke, this coaching staff, front office, all my teammates for making this possible. I’m grateful, very blessed.”
Higbee’s extension comes just a day after the Rams managed to lock up Jared Goff to a lucrative $134 million deal. They can now be added to the list of offensive players that have been secured long-term in recent years.
The Rams selected Higbee in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. There is certainly good reason for him to be excited given his status as a starter on one of the most-high-powered groups in the NFL as he will now have an opportunity to continue elevating his role in the offense.
The bulk of Higbee’s value comes from his prowess as a blocker in the run game. There is no question he has helped running back Todd Gurley put up big numbers in his two seasons as the starter up front.
Regardless, it is still safe to assume that Los Angeles envisions him earning more targets from quarterback Jared Goff in the passing game moving forward. He has enjoyed modest production as a receiver thus far in his career after hauling in 58 receptions for 658 yards and four touchdowns going into his fourth season.
Higbee is pleased to see his hard work come to fruition and plans to continue working hard to prove his worth:
“I had a coach in college that said, ‘Prove to be reliable. Do your job and everything will work itself out,’” Higbee said. “I learned from my parents work hard and stuff will play out how it’s supposed to play out.”
Higbee’s opportunities have been somewhat tempered by the presence of tight end Gerald Everett, who has seemingly emerged as the better pass-catcher of the two.
Although finding a way to get both involved in an efficient manner comes with its own challenges for head coach Sean McVay, having too many weapons on offense is a good problem to have to start the season.
