Position by Position: TE

Cap numbers found on overthecap.com, stats and additional information found on espn.com, additional information gathered from the Detroit Lions official X page.

We are close to the Superbowl, and with that a final bookend to the 2025 season, and the dawn of the 2026 season. As we have continued through the end of the season and into the prep for 2026, I have been going position by position through the roster. Today lets dive in on Tight End

Sam LaPorta

23 years old - Under contract through 2026 - 6.6 million dollar cap hit in 2026

Sam LaPorta finds himself on a contract year and in a precarious situation. He is coming off of a season ending back injury that resulted in spinal fusion surgery. No one can deny that he is extremely productive on the field, and that he has been largely healthy, but the Lions should take a bit of a pause as they consider Sam’s back moving forward. They do have a track record of getting players with injured backs back on the field, but that is no guarantee. It would behoove the Lions to sign or draft a TE that can take over for some of LaPorta’s production as a precaution. When he wasn’t on the field, the team was hurting for what he brought on offense. I just hope Sam can find the way back, as he is truly one of the best TEs in this league.

Sam had muted production in 2025 due to injury:

40 catches, 489 yards, 3 touchdowns, 12.2 yard average

Brock Wright

27 years old - Under contract through 2026 (2027, 2028, 2029 void year) - 2.75 million dollar cap hit in 2026

Brock Wright has been the backup TE in Detroit for quite a bit now. He is a valued member of this team. So much so the Lions blocked the 49ers from acquiring him sometime back. However, his opportunity to be the starter and show his stuff was cut short by an injury to his neck. Just like a back, a neck is a tricky injury, not much was said about his treatment or recovery. Brock has been good, and I would love to see him moved back in a TE3 role if he is healthy, however his days as TE2 should be done.

Brock also had muted production in 2025:

14 catches, 108 yards, 2 touchdowns, 7.7 yard average

Shane Zylstra

29 years old - Unrestricted Free Agent

Shane Zylstra seemed like he would have the opportunity of a lifetime when Brock and Sam went down. Simply, it didn’t materialize. He had a few catches. I remember getting excited that he was going to be activated. We might have someone at TE who could do something in spite of injuries, and he simply didn’t. I don’t say this lightly, but I think the Lions should move on from Shane in 2026.

Brock also had muted production in 2025:

3 catches, 20 yards, 0 touchdowns, 6.7 yard average

Zach Horton and Anthony Firkser

23 years old & 30 years old - Horton Under Contract in 2026, 885,000 cap hit in 2026, Anthony Firkser is an unrestricted free agent

Zach Horton and Anthony Firkser didn’t really move the needle in 2025. Sure Anthony had over 100 yards, but in reality he really wasn’t much of a role player on a regular basis. Zach Horton didn’t record a catch. I know there is much more to playing TE than catching, but in this offense TEs catch and block, and I didn’t see a ton out of either of these players. I hope the ceiling is higher on one of these two, but nothing has led me to believe so thus far.

Moving Forward

In my perspective, there is a considerable need at TE. I know the Offensive Line needs priority, but with the question mark on Sam LaPorta’s health and the declining play of Brock Wright, the Lions need reinforcements. Perhaps bringing in another TE and considering Tanner Engstrand, recently released Jet’s OC, for the open TE coach position that he previously filled in this offense. Regardless, Brad and Dan need to make some moves at Tight End.