The Detroit Lions have 27 free agents this offseason with $52.5 million in cap space. Detroit kicked things off by signing their exclusive rights free agent tight end.
The Detroit Lions re-signed their TE
Detroit announced on X they re-signed Shane Zylstra.
Zylstra was an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he played less than three years of accrued experience in the NFL. Similar to a restricted free agent, the team can tender the player, but that is the only option for the player, and they cannot negotiate with another team unless they get released.
Also, if the team offers the ERFA a one-year tender, the player can accept the offer or sit out for the season. If the team doesn’t tender the player, they become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.
In short, Zylstra will be back in Detroit next season on a one-year, $985,000 deal.
Shane Zylstra has bounced around with Detroit for the last three seasons
After getting released by the Minnesota Vikings during the final round of roster cuts in his rookie season, the Detroit Lions signed Zylstra to the practice squad. Zylstra was elevated in four regular season games. He recorded three receptions on seven targets for 34 yards.
Detroit released Zylstra during the final round of roster cuts in his second season. He was elevated to the active roster and appeared in 13 games. He recorded 11 receptions on 15 targets for 60 yards and four touchdowns.
Zylstra suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp in his third season, and Detroit placed him on injured reserve.
Who will be Detroit’s TE2?
Detroit will look for a TE to complement Sam LaPorta this offseason.
They could address the position through free agency, the draft, or by promoting someone from the roster. Players on the roster who could compete for the position include Brock Wright (RFA), James Mitchell, and Shane Zylstra.
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