The Detroit Lions had one of the best running games in the league, ranking 7th in attempts, 5th in rushing yards, tied for 1st in rushing touchdowns, 5th in yards per attempt, and 7th in rushing first downs in 2023.
Their offensive line and tight ends deserve some credit for how great their rushing attack was.
One tight end, in particular, was a restricted free agent this offseason who signed an offer sheet with an NFC West team, but the Lions matched the offer sheet.
The Detroit Lions matched the offer sheet of their TE2.
Brock Wright was a restricted free agent this offseason. Wright and the San Francisco 49ers agreed to a 3-year, $12 million offer sheet with $6 million guaranteed on March 29.
The Lions had five to match the offer sheet. If they didn’t match, they would not receive draft compensation.
They matched his offer sheet on the last day.
Why does this signing matter to the Detroit Lions?
This signing matters for two reasons.
The first reason this signing matters is that Wright is very good at blocking.
The second reason this signing matters is that Wright can step up when needed. Since his main task is to block, he doesn’t light up the stat sheet each season. However, he is more than capable of being a pass catcher and can step up when needed.
For example, he did a solid job of being their TE1 when they traded T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings during the NFL Trade Deadline. Wright finished that season with 18 receptions on 24 targets for 216 yards, four touchdowns, and a 75% catching percentage in 2022 and has 43 receptions on 55 targets for 424 yards, seven touchdowns, and a 78.2% catching percentage in three seasons.
Liam McKeone gives a better explanation as to why this signing matters.
“But Wright is important. He’s a very reliable blocker for Dan Campbell’s squad and has gotten a few highlight-reel plays out of the few passes he does catch. Defenses often leave him uncovered and he’s a good enough athlete to make them pay in those situations. The Lions, who enjoy a plethora of offensive talent, just don’t look to him for that very often.”
A look at the Detroit Lions tight end room.
The Lions currently have four tight ends on the roster. Their starter is the great Sam LaPorta. Their backups are Brock Wright, James Mitchell, and Shane Zylstra.
Mitchell and Zylstra will likely compete for the TE3 spot behind LaPorta and Wright.
For More Content:
Follow me on Twitter/X @JacksonLoschko. If you have any questions, you can message me on Linkedin. To read more of our articles and be updated on the latest in CFB/NFL, click here.