I agree with this: "I just think he's replaceable for less in the vet FA market, developing one of the existing TEs on the roster (like this year's draft pick) and/or drafting a better pass-catching TE next draft."

They've been trying to replace Higbee for years and IMO only extended him twice cuz all attempts have failed so far. If Hopkins, for example, had developed he'd be starting and Higbee would be gone via FA (and maybe gotten a comp pick for him). Hopkins is still on his rookie deal this year, $1.2M cap hit ....

And yes, if Davis Allen progresses as expected Higbee will be expendable after the 2024 season. Especially if they draft another TE in '24 who can contribute in '25.


Not so sure about this, though: "No need for a big contract extension when there are so many big contracts to hand out next year." The Rams have $57.5M in cap space next year and not a ton of FAs to sign. From the list below they could keep most or all of their RFAs and ERFAs relatively cheaply (Williams, Rozeboom, Jackson, Rivers, Thomas, Brown, Hoecht). Heck, they could sign all of them and if any of them get washed out when the Rams cut down to 53 it really won't cost them much if anything.

Of the UFAs who do they need to keep? The priorities look to me to be Witherspoon & Dotson. Anyone else there a must have? Shelley? Anchrum? Regardless - whoever from the list that the Rams are able to keep won't cost a ton of money. IMO the Rams haven't handcuffed themselves financially by handing Higbee a 2 year, $17M deal.

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AlbaNY_Ram



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/24/2023 06:03AM by AlbaNY_Ram.