The Los Angeles Rams didn’t shy away from spending in free agency this past offseason, something they haven’t done in recent years in an attempt to be financially smart. They opened up their wallets for Jonah Jackson, Colby Parkinson, Darious Williams, Kam Curl and Tre’Davious White, signing them to contracts worth a total value of $109.25 million.
Though Williams and Curl are playing well, the rest of the free-agent class has been a bust. Parkinson is the latest offseason addition to be benched by the Rams, a terrible sign for the veteran tight end who earned a $22.5 million deal this offseason.
In Week 10 against the Dolphins Parkinson played a season-low 11 snaps, per PFF. He wasn’t a starter on offense, being the third tight end to get on the field behind Davis Allen and Hunter Long. The Rams were confident he’d be an impact player for them when he was signed to a three-year deal but he’s done very little to help a struggling offense.
Allen, a fifth-round pick in 2023, led the tight end group with 56 snaps played, the second straight week he’s gotten more opportunities than Parkinson. He was targeted six times in the Rams’ 23-15 loss to the Dolphins, catching five of those passes for 34 yards.
Parkinson, meanwhile, wasn’t targeted a single time for the second straight week and has only 17 yards receiving in his last three games combined. At this point, he’s not even contributing much as a blocker, with those snaps going to Long when the Rams are in 12 personnel.
Considering Allen’s performance against the Dolphins and Parkinson’s lack of involvement, it’s hard to see Parkinson going back to a starting role anytime soon.
Sadly, he might not be the last free-agent signing to be benched by the Rams. Jackson could be next.
In his first game back since Week 2, Jackson struggled badly at center. His biggest mistake was a high snap that resulted in a 13-yard loss, killing what was an otherwise promising drive.
Sean McVay said after the game that “everything’s on the table” when discussing the offensive line, an indication that perhaps even the $51 million lineman could be benched in favor of Beaux Limmer, a sixth-round rookie.
Championships aren’t won in free agency, but between White, Parkinson and Jackson, the Rams seem to have whiffed on three of their biggest signings.