The Detroit Lions are keeping their tight end room intact for 2024, according to reports, as the team tenders Brock Wright only days after re-signing another tight end.
According to Over the Cap, the Lions will apply the right of first refusal RFA tag on Wright, who just finished his third season in Detroit. Earlier this week, the Lions signed Shane Zylstra, an exclusive rights free agent, to a one-year contract.
Lions keep their tight-end depth intact.
The Lions had a breakout star last season in rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who established team and league records, but they worked hard this offseason to maintain their depth. Wright has 43 receptions for 424 yards and seven touchdowns in three seasons with Detroit.
While another team may still make an offer to Wright, the Lions will have the opportunity to match it. According to Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire, Wright’s tender likely ensures his future with the Lions in 2024.
“It’s hard to see another team paying Wright $3 million for one season,” Risdon said in a statement. “The 25-year-old is coming off a fractured arm that terminated his season, which included 13 receptions for 91 yards. Wright has caught 43 catches for 424 yards and seven touchdowns in three seasons with the Detroit Lions after signing as an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame.
The Lions also re-signed Zylstra, bringing back the tight end who became a popular red-zone target when T.J. Hockenson was moved in 2022. As SI.com’s Christian Booher pointed out, he appeared in 13 games that season, recording 11 receptions for 60 yards and four touchdowns.
The Lions have also been working to fill additional vacancies ahead of the formal start of the new league year and free agency period. According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the Lions have also agreed to terms on a new deal with a reserve running back.
“RB Zonovan ‘Bam’ Knight is re-signing with the Lions, source tells Bleacher Report,” Schultz said in a post on X. “Bam has made steady progress after a season-ending shoulder surgery.”
Sam LaPorta’s breakthrough season
While Wright and Zylstra will add depth at tight end, the Lions will most likely continue to rely heavily on LaPorta in the passing game. During his debut season, he had 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, setting franchise and league records for rookie tight ends.
LaPorta received high accolades, with famed NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski claiming he altered the game.
“Sam LaPorta is definitely changing the game a little bit for rookie tight ends,” Gronkowski said on FOX Sports. “To contribute right away, you must be a savvy player, especially at the tight end position, because you must understand both the run and pass game. He attended the University of Iowa, which has a superb system.
Gronkowski went on to compliment LaPorta’s flexibility on the field.
“He can block as well and on top of it, he’s got some speed that he can separate from defenders, so he’s doing a great job,” Gronkowski said in an interview.
