Patriots predicted to show interest in Rams $22 million cut candidate

The Los Angeles Rams saw tight end Colby Parkinson blossom into an impact playmaker in 2025.

In 15 games last season, Parkinson tallied career highs in catches (43), yards (408), and touchdowns (8). The 27-year-old established himself as a dynamic red-zone threat for quarterback Matthew Stafford, as five of his touchdowns came from 10 yards or less.

Though Parkinson enjoyed the best year of his career in 2025, one NFL analyst believes his future in Los Angeles isn't as secure as you may think.

Parkinson named Rams cut candidate

Bleacher Report's Alex Kay listed Parkinson as a possible cut candidate for the Rams as training camp nears in July.

"While McVay could elect to carry an extra tight end, Parkinson's contract structure and the team's depth at the position make him one of the more notable veterans who could become expendable before Week 1," Kay wrote.

With Tyler Higbee still on the roster and 2025 second-round pick Terrance Ferguson ready to break out, there's a chance Los Angeles shocks the world and cuts Parkinson before the season, especially since his base salary isn't guaranteed this year and the team would save $7 million by moving on from him.

Patriots named potential landing spot for Parkinson

If Parkinson does hit the market, Kay believes the New England Patriots will show interest in the veteran tight end to pair with Hunter Henry.

"Should he reach free agency, the New England Patriots would make sense as a potential landing spot. Despite improvements at wide receiver, New England still has questions at tight end behind veteran Hunter Henry and rookie Eli Raridon. Parkinson would provide an experienced option for a position group that lacks proven depth," Kay wrote.

Adding Parkinson to the tight end room would give the Patriots another receiving threat at the position, and the Stanford product would also come for cheap.

However, with New England taking tight end Eli Raridon out of Notre Dame in the third round of April's draft, it wouldn't make sense for executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf to invest more resources in the position. 

Additionally, Henry is coming off a productive 2025 season, as the 31-year-old was one of Drake Maye's top weapons, tallying 768 yards and seven touchdowns on 60 receptions.

Overall, Parkinson wouldn't be an awful addition to the Patriots' offense if he becomes a free agent. The former fourth-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks would be another reliable receiving threat for Maye, but tight end just isn't a pressing need for the Patriots right now. The team would benefit much more by using resources on the defensive front or the offensive line.