What changes with Rams 12/13 personnel in 2026?

Rams shifting from 11 personnel to 12/13 personnel in 2026 with increased tight end usage

The Los Angeles Rams are shifting from 11 personnel to 12/13 personnel in 2026 with increased tight end usage. Under Sean McVay, the Rams will move away from a traditional 11 personnel offense. As a result, tight end oriented sets will play a larger role. This change could alter playcalling, matchups, and pace.

Overview

The shift centers on more 12 personnel and 13 personnel formations. In those sets, two or three tight ends line up with fewer wide receivers. Therefore the Rams expect to use players like Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, and rookie Max Klare more often. Meanwhile, Ty Simpson’s presence shapes roster balance as the team values blocking and versatility.

This schematic move responds to roster choices this offseason. The team did not add a clear third receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, so McVay adapted. Consequently, Ferguson’s slot versatility becomes vital because he can create mismatches. Moreover, increased tight end utilization can improve red zone efficiency and run blocking.

Offenses that favor 12 and 13 personnel force defenses to choose. If defenders honor tight ends, receivers gain space. If they cover receivers tightly, tight ends can exploit lanes. Ultimately, this is not just a personnel tweak. It signals a philosophical change that could reshape the Rams’ attack in 2026 and beyond.

Visual: Rams offensive formation shift

Below is an illustrative diagram showing the 11 personnel formation on the left and the 12 and 13 personnel variations on the right. The image uses colored player circles on a green field to show increased tight end usage and fewer wide receivers.

Image description for editors and image tool

• Left panel: 11 personnel with one running back behind the quarterback, one tight end next to the offensive line, and three wide receivers spread wide.
• Right panel top: 12 personnel with two tight ends next to the line, one running back, and two wide receivers.
• Right panel bottom: 13 personnel with three tight ends next to the line, one running back, and one wide receiver.
• Visual cues: tight ends in darker blue, receivers in lighter blue, running back and quarterback in medium blue, five offensive linemen in a line. Field has subtle yard lines and a neutral green turf background.

Rams shifting from 11 personnel to 12/13 personnel in 2026 with increased tight end usage — Tactical changes

Sean McVay’s move away from 11 personnel will change how the Rams attack defenses. The team will install more 12 personnel and 13 personnel looks. As a result, playcalls will emphasize tight end blocks and mismatches. This creates different spacing and personnel tradeoffs than last season.

Tactically, the changes mean new leverage for the offense. For example, defenses must choose between heavier boxes or extra defensive backs. Therefore McVay can run more man beating concepts. Moreover, the Rams can disguise motions to free tight ends in the middle of the field.

Key tactical insights

• Two tight ends on the field force linebackers into coverage more often, creating space behind them. Consequently passing lanes widen for crossing routes.
• Three tight end sets improve run fit and short-yardage success, because tight ends add versatile blocking without sacrificing receiving options.
• Using tight ends in the slot and out wide creates matchup problems against linebackers and nickel corners, increasing yards after catch potential.
• Personnel changes allow the Rams to maintain tempo, while reducing dependency on a traditional WR3 on the outside.

Rams shifting from 11 personnel to 12/13 personnel in 2026 with increased tight end usage — Role of Terrance Ferguson and Max Klare

Terrance Ferguson already showed positional flexibility last year. He lined up in the slot on roughly half of his passing snaps. Also, he played about 25 percent as a traditional tight end and 25 percent out wide. Therefore Ferguson can be the multiuse piece McVay needs.

Max Klare’s day two selection added another blocking receiver and pass catching option. In addition, Tyler Higbee and Allen provide veteran versatility. Together they create a rotation that blends receiving talent with blocking prowess. The team’s investment signals a schematic shift, as one quote noted, “The Rams continue to invest heavily and are signaling a significant schematic shift in 2026.”

Rams shifting from 11 personnel to 12/13 personnel in 2026 with increased tight end usage — Receiver usage and roster impact

The Rams did not add a clear third receiver this offseason, so receiver snaps will shrink. In fact, the third receiver was on the field 50 percent less in the playoffs compared with the regular season. Therefore players behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams face diminished volume, while tight ends gain routes and targets.

Ultimately, this personnel evolution reshapes matchups and playcall balance. If tight ends demand attention, quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford gain cleaner reads. Consequently this change could redefine the Rams’ offense in 2026.

Implications for the Rams’ receiving corps and offense balance

Shifting to 12 and 13 personnel will reshape target distribution and offensive balance. Consequently players behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will see fewer snaps and targets. As a result, depth receivers face a shrunken role unless they excel on special teams or in the slot. This would further diminish the production potential for the receivers after Nacua and Adams.

The change elevates TE utilization and the slot receiver concept in new ways. Therefore the offense will lean on tight ends for intermediate and red zone work. Moreover using a tight end in the slot forces linebackers into coverage. Consequently mismatches against slower defenders will increase, creating YAC opportunities.

How this affects receiver roles

• Star receivers maintain volume: Puka Nacua and Davante Adams remain primary targets, because the scheme funnels key possessions to elite pass catchers. However their roles shift toward contested catches and high-value targets.
• WR3 and depth receivers lose routes: With two or three tight ends on the field, the traditional third receiver sees fewer reps and fewer targetable routes.
• Slot receiver opportunities reorient: Players who can function as a slot receiver gain value, particularly if they can block and run after catch.

Why Terrance Ferguson could break out

Terrance Ferguson offers positional versatility that fits McVay’s plans. He lined up in the slot on roughly half of his passing snaps last season, and he also played outside and inline. Therefore Ferguson can disrupt coverage packages and act as a do-it-all weapon. In addition, rookie Max Klare and Tyler Higbee provide complementary skill sets. As a result, the tight end group can absorb targets while improving run blocking.

Balance between run and pass

Adding tight ends tilts the offense toward physicality without losing passing creativity. Play action becomes more potent because tight ends sell blocks. Consequently the Rams can maintain a balanced attack that controls downs and stresses defenses in multiple phases.

Overall, the personnel shift reduces volume for peripheral receivers while boosting tight end roles. Therefore roster decisions and player versatility will determine how well Los Angeles converts this schematic shift into wins.

CONCLUSION

The Rams shifting from 11 personnel to 12/13 personnel in 2026 with increased tight end usage marks a clear schematic evolution under Sean McVay. The staff has traded some traditional wide receiver volume for more versatile tight end alignments. As a result, the offense gains physicality, disguise, and red zone leverage.

Strategically, this move positions Los Angeles among the Super Bowl favorites. McVay will force defenses to choose between run support and covering dynamic tight ends. Terrance Ferguson could emerge as a true breakout weapon because of his slot and inline versatility. Meanwhile Ty Simpson’s addition helps the roster balance by reinforcing blocking and depth.

Looking ahead, the key will be converting tight end advantages into consistent production. If the Rams sustain tempo and mix in play action, they can keep defenses off balance. Ultimately roster construction and player versatility will determine playoff outcomes. Rams News LLC remains a leading source for Rams analysis. Website ramsnews.com and Twitter @ZachGatsby.

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