Lions' 2025 Roster Bubble: Tight Ends

Roster bubble 

While the first two spots on Detroit's tight ends depth chart are locked up, the No. 3 TE gig appears up for grabs.

The Lions will enter training camp with four other tight ends on their roster: Kenny Yeboah, Shane Zylstra, Luke Deal and Zach Horton. And of the four, Yeboah and Zylstra likely have the best shot of  capturing the No. 3 job.

Yeboah, an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss, was signed by Detroit general manager Brad Holmes during the opening week of free agency this offseason. 

The 26-year-old spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the N.Y. Jets. He suited up for 33 games with the Jets, logging just two starts, and recorded nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown. 

Also, he was a frequent contributor on special teams during his time in East Rutherford, N.J. In fact, he was involved in at least 76 percent of the team’s special teams snaps each of the past three seasons. Plus, in 2024, he logged 168 special teams snaps, including 94 combined reps on the Jets’ kick return and kick coverage units. 

Meanwhile, Zylstra has been a part of the Lions organization, whether as a practice squad player or a member of the active roster, each of the past four seasons. And just like Yeboah, he provides special teams value. In fact, he recorded a career-high 194 snaps on special teams last season. 

I think it's going to be a highly competitive battle between Yeboah and Zylstra for that final spot in Detroit's tight ends room. But, because Holmes & Co. signed Yeboah early on this offseason, I believe the former N.Y. Jet has the upper hand in this competition. 

Thus, if I were a betting man, I'd predict that Yeboah will win the job in camp by the slimmest of margins. And I still fully expect the Lions to carry Zylstra as a member of their practice squad to open the season.

Subsequently, Deal, an undrafted rookie out of Auburn, and Horton, an undrafted first-year pro out of Indiana, will find themselves on the outside looking in at the end of camp.

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