The Detroit Lions got into a bit of pickle over the weekend when Brock Wright, who the Lions had previously tendered, signed a three year, $12 million offer sheet with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Lions do have until Wednesday to match the offer that the 49ers made and if they don't, Wright will head to the Bay Area. Judging by the large difference in compensation between the Lions and 49ers and Wrights current role in Detroit, there's probably a good chance the Lions decline to match this offer.
If that winds up being the case, here's some of the free agent options that are available at tight end.
Logan Thomas
I've actually brought this idea up before since Thomas has been with Dan Campbell, Ben Johnson and Steve Heiden before. Thomas is a solid veteran option that can block and catch. He can do everything the Lions need and he'll likely come with short and inexpensive terms.
C.J. Uzomah
The Jets parted ways with him a few weeks back to free up some cap space. He's been a solid pass blocker in the past. Uzomah did not work out well with the Jets, but if he can be the guy he was with the Bengals, that's a good fit for the Lions for the short term.
Robert Tonyan
The former Packer and Bear could make his next trip in the NFC North by coming to the Lions. He's a decent pass catcher, but his blocking could use some work.
Geoff Swaim
Swaim is a lot like Brock Wright, but a better blocker. That's really what the Lions need in this TE2 spot. Pass catching would be nice though. That just hasn't really been Swaim's game.
Jesper Horstead
Horstead is a solid blocking tight end. He's almost like having an extra lineman out there. He's the youngest of the guys listed here, so if the Lions like what they see, they can hold on to him.
MyCole Pruitt
Another veteran option that is a solid blocker. Not a lot of pass catching going on with him, but that blocking makes up for it. That's why he keeps getting signed.
Conclusion:
There aren't a ton of great options available unless the Lions are looking for something short term. The reality is that the team may look toward Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell to pick up the slack there. Either that or they may look towards the draft where there's some solid options.
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