Is Matthew Stafford Bad for Tight Ends?

The Los Angeles Rams' tight end situation in 2025 presents a perplexing case. Despite investing significant resources in the position, the team's tight ends are underperforming, leading to questions about quarterback Matthew Stafford's role in their struggles.

Tyler Higbee: Higbee, once a reliable target, has seen a decline in his production since Stafford's arrival. His yards per target and success rate have decreased, suggesting that he is not being utilized as effectively. While Higbee's $8.7 million cap hit is not crippling, his production ranks him low among tight ends, raising concerns about his value to the team.

Colby Parkinson: The Rams signed Parkinson to a lucrative deal, but he has been one of the least productive tight ends in the league. His receiving EPA is abysmal, and his yards before catch have plummeted, indicating that he is not being used as a downfield threat. The Rams' decision to invest $15 million in Parkinson is looking like a major misstep.

Terrance Ferguson: The rookie tight end has been virtually invisible, raising questions about the Rams' evaluation and development of the position. Despite being a high draft pick, Ferguson has struggled to get on the field, suggesting that he is not ready to contribute or that the Rams are not prioritizing his development.

Historical Context: Stafford's history with other tight ends, such as T.J. Hockenson and Eric Ebron, adds further fuel to the debate. While both players had flashes of potential, they often performed better after leaving Stafford's teams. This historical context suggests that Stafford may not be the best fit for maximizing tight end production.

Targets per Route: A key indicator of tight end usage is targets per route. Typically, a team paying premium for a tight end would target that player every four routes. Higbee is targeted every seven routes, which is unusual for a highly-paid tight end. Parkinson is targeted even less often, and Ferguson barely plays at all. This data suggests that the Rams are not prioritizing the tight end position in their passing game.

Before and After Stafford: Comparing Higbee's and Parkinson's stats before and after Stafford's arrival reveals a clear decline in production. Higbee's yards per target and success rate have decreased, while Parkinson's yards before catch have plummeted. These statistics provide further evidence that Stafford may be limiting the tight ends' potential.

There's no evidence to suggest intentional avoidance, but the statistics indicate a pattern of underutilization.

The offensive scheme may play a role, but the decline in individual tight end production suggests that Stafford's tendencies are a contributing factor.

It remains to be seen, but his lack of playing time raises concerns about his future with the team.

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