The Los Angeles Rams came into this offseason with some cap space at their disposal and are not wasting any time putting it to use in free agency.
The Rams began the day by bolstering their offensive line with the signing of former Detroit Lions left guard Jonah Jackson.
It appears the Rams want to get back to being a run-first team as they now have one of the best interior offensive lines in the league with Jackson joining Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson.
L.A. has now made it’s second signing since the start of the free agency period, inking former Seattle Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson to a three-year contract, via Adam Schefter of ESPN:
Seahawks free-agent TE Colby Parkinson intends to sign a three-year, $22.5 million deal including $15.5 million guaranteed with the Los Angeles Rams, per sources. Before playing at Stanford, Parkinson attended Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California, which is right… pic.twitter.com/Z7h0Hbw0CC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
Parkinson would then go on to confirm the signing, expressing excitement to return to Southern California, where he attended high school at Oaks Christian in Westlake Village:
Coming back home!! God is good🙏🏼 https://t.co/35eTuNqR06
— Colby Parkinson (@CJ51) March 11, 2024
Parkinson was drafted in the fourth round by the Seahawks in 2020 out of Stanford and in four seasons with the team had 57 catches for 614 yards and four touchdowns. In 17 games last season (one start), Parkinson had 25 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns.
This signing falls in line with the Rams getting back to a run-first team as Parkinson is known to be one of the better run blocking tight ends in the league. At 6’7″ and 251 pounds, Parkinson is an absolute mountain of a man that can help open up holes for Kyren Williams and the Rams’ other running backs.
Additionally, after Tyler Higbee tore his ACL in the team’s playoff game against the Lions, the Rams definitely have a need at tight end.
The addition of Parkinson will help make up for the loss of Higbee until he is able to return at some point in the middle of the 2024 season.
Rams receive five comp picks in 2024 NFL Draft
The Rams are also going into the 2024 NFL draft with a ton of picks after receiving five comp picks, one in the third, three in the sixth and one in the seventh.
Even with the addition of Parkinson, the Rams will likely use a pick on a tight end, perhaps one that specializes in pass-catching that will serve as a nice complement.
