Tyler Higbee just put together the best season ever by a Rams tight end, primarily thanks to a huge performance in the final five games of the 2019 campaign. He finished the year with 69 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as TE1 on the depth chart.

His breakout December seemed to justify the extension Los Angeles gave him last year, even causing speculation about Gerald Everett possibly being traded this offseason. That possibility is still on the table, but Sean McVay hasn’t soured on the young tight end who’s entering the final year of his rookie deal.

He’s excited about Everett entering the 2020 season and knows he has to get him more touches on offense.

“Really, really excited about what Gerald Everett’s going to do,” McVay said Monday. “I think Tyler Higbee did a phenomenal job, but I think Gerald Everett’s a guy that I’ve got to do a better job of utilizing his skill set because he’s a difference-maker. But he’s got to get the opportunities and I think that starts with some of the things I know I can do a better job of.”

It seems like Everett has been poised for a breakout year in each of the last three seasons, but it has yet to happen. As a former second-round pick, the potential and talent is there, but his opportunities have been limited.

Whether it’s been because of Higbee’s presence or the injury that Everett suffered late last season, his playing time has been hindered. He was having his best season as a pro in 2019 with 37 catches and 408 yards, but a knee injury caused him to miss three games and only play 21 total snaps in three others. So really, he played just 10 games, which makes his numbers look more respectable.

The Rams have a lot of mouths to feed on offense, tight ends included. Getting Everett a significant number of chances will be difficult, but it’s good to hear McVay will at least try to get him more involved.

That’ll likely come in the form of more two-tight end sets, which the Rams utilized more often at the end of last season with Higbee and Mundt. If that’s the case, Cooper Kupp’s and Brandin Cooks’ playing time could be limited – which is another factor to consider.