The Los Angeles Rams' popular tight end, Colby Parkinson, has remained a constant name in the trade market over the past few months. Amid this, the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers have emerged as potential landing destinations for Parkinson.
Which teams are interested in Colby Parkinson?
While a number of rival teams have been linked to Parkinson in recent weeks, according to NFL insiders, the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers might be keeping an eye on him. Other teams such as the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers have also been mentioned as possible suitors.
What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?
A few hours ago, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay noted: '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. 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.'
A few days ago, A to Z Sports' Wendell Ferreira predicted: 'The Rams drafted a tight end in the second round in each of the past two years (Terrance Ferguson and Max Klare). They also have Tyler Higbee under contract. Parkinson is in the last year of his deal, making $7 million, and the Rams would be happy about recouping some draft capital. The Packers need an in-line tight end, and Gutekunst himself said so. Parkinson played 74% of his offensive snaps as a Y-tight end last season, and he's been a solid receiver and viable blocker throughout his career. The system familiarity is a plus.'
Contract details and salary cap implications
According to Spotrac, trading Colby Parkinson would instantly clear $5.5 million in base salary and save the Los Angeles Rams exactly $7 million in total 2026 salary cap space. However, the Rams would have to absorb approximately $3.5 million in dead cap hit for the upcoming season, while the acquiring team would inherit the remainder of his expiring deal. Parkinson is entering the third year of a three-year, $22.5 million contract, with only the non-guaranteed base salary transferring to the new team.
How could the trade impact the teams?
For the Los Angeles Rams, trading Parkinson would save $7 million, which could be used to sign new players. With Parkinson gone, the team would focus on emerging talent, including Terrance Ferguson and rookie Max Klare, alongside veteran Tyler Higbee.
For the New England Patriots, trading for Parkinson is financially affordable and would provide much-needed proven depth to support young quarterback Drake Maye.
For the Green Bay Packers, acquiring Parkinson would help boost Jordan Love's passing game, as the team seeks a reliable in-line tight end.
The Rams are expected to net a mid-to-late-day draft pick, likely a fifth or sixth-round selection, in exchange for Parkinson. His trade likelihood is high, driven by a crowded tight end room ahead of training camp.
