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The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a disappointing 2025 season, narrowly missing the Super Bowl. As they gear up for another championship run in 2026, one player has been identified as the team’s most overpaid – tight end Colby Parkinson, who carries a $9.1 million cap hit. However, the Rams’ front office is being lauded for its ability to build a well-balanced roster despite the high-priced contracts.

Why it matters

With the Rams going all-in to win the Super Bowl, it’s notable that the team’s highest-paid player is a tight end who has never had a 500-yard season. This highlights the Rams’ ability to manage their salary cap and roster effectively, even with some high-dollar contracts.

The details

Colby Parkinson, one of the Rams’ three starting-caliber tight ends, will have a $9.1 million cap hit in 2026. While this may be considered too much for a player who has never caught 50 passes or hit 500 yards in a season, the Rams’ front office is being praised for its roster management. The team was able to retain key players like Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in the secondary, as well as safeties Quentin Lake and Kamren Curl, without any clear overpays on the roster.

The Rams are coming off a disappointing 2025 season, narrowly missing the Super Bowl.The Rams are gearing up for another championship run in 2026.

The players

Colby Parkinson

The Rams’ $9.1 million cap-hit tight end who has never caught 50 passes or hit 500 yards in a season.

Matthew Stafford

The Rams’ starting quarterback who is returning for the 2026 season.

Les Snead

The Rams’ general manager who has done an excellent job building a well-balanced roster.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, kudos to the Rams front office because this was the toughest one we had to tackle. We had to reach massively for Parkinson, who will carry a high-ish $9.1 million cap hit in 2026 as a guy who has never caught 50 passes or hit 500 yards in a season.”

— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Rams will look to build on their 2026 roster and make another deep playoff run, with Colby Parkinson and the team’s other high-priced players expected to play key roles.

The takeaway

The Rams’ ability to construct a well-balanced roster, even with some high-dollar contracts, highlights the masterful job done by general manager Les Snead. Despite having the league’s most overpaid player in Colby Parkinson, the Rams remain in a strong position to compete for a Super Bowl title in 2026.