Why the 2026 Offseason Could Make or Break the Detroit Lions’ Tight End Future

When it comes to the Detroit Lions, tight ends have been an integral piece of the offensive puzzle under Dan Campbell’s guidance – no doubt about that. But 2025 threw a curveball they didn’t quite see coming. A season that promised so much ended up feeling a little flat, with the tight end spot showing cracks that couldn’t be ignored. Now, heading into 2026, with some fresh coaching minds and schemes on deck, the Lions’ tight end landscape looks primed for a shake-up. Teetering between the bright potential of Sam LaPorta’s promising rookie contract and the uncertain future of Brock Wright, Detroit finds itself facing some crucial decisions. The offseason isn’t just about filling gaps; it’s about reimagining how this group can rise and become a driving force in an offense hungry for a playoff push. I’ve got a hunch this could be one of the most intriguing position battles and strategic overhauls that the Lions tackle next year.
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Our 2025 Detroit Lions roster review/2026 offseason preview continues with the tight end position. With Dan Campbell at the helm, the tight end position has been a valuable tool for Detroit’s high-octane offense. However, after a down year in 2025 and some potential schematic alterations coming, the tight end position could be in for some big changes going into 2026.

Previously:

Lions 2025 recap: Tight ends

Sam LaPorta stats (9 games):

40 catches, 489 yards, 3 TDs
- On pace for 923 yards, which would have been a career high
82.0 overall PFF grade (career high)
- 64.9 PFF run blocking grade (career high)

The rest:

Brock Wright (11 games): 14 catches, 108 yards, 2 TDs — 52.5 PFF grade
Anthony Firkser (7 games): 8 catches, 53 yards — 54.2 PFF grade
Shane Zylstra (6 games): 3 catches, 20 yards — 44.0 PFF grade
Ross Dwelley (11 games): 2 catches, 7 yards — 44.4 PFF grade

Sam LaPorta was in the midst of what was undoubtedly his best season before he suffered a herniated disc against the Commanders in Week 10 that shockingly and suddenly ended his season. Not only was LaPorta en route to his most productive season from a receiving standpoint, but his blocking—particularly in the run game—took a very noticeable step in 2025.

However, the rest of the Lions’ tight end room was pretty underwhelming. Brock Wright continues to produce average-at-best blocking, although his absence was certainly felt when a neck/throat injury ended his season a month early. Detroit’s depth was tested down the stretch, and it’s fair to say that the likes of Shane Zylstra, Ross Dwelley, and Giovanni Ricci did not step up in the way the Lions needed them to. While certainly not the only problem down the stretch, Detroit’s late-season running issues can be partially attributed to the lack of reliability from the tight ends group.

Outlook for 2026

Currently under contract:

TE Sam LaPorta (signed through 2026)
TE Brock Wright (2026)
TE Zach Horton (futures, 2026)

Free agents

TE Shane Zylstra (unrestricted)
TE Anthony Firkser (unrestricted)
TE Giovanni Ricci (street, available to sign anywhere now)

The Lions’ top two tight ends are both under contract for the upcoming season, but Detroit faces interesting decisions with both LaPorta and Wright.

For LaPorta, it’s about that time to start considering a contract extension for the 2023 second-round pick. Detroit may opt to wait until the see how he recovers from back surgery, but the expectation is for him to be ready by training camp. The current tight end contract bar has been set by George Kittle and Trey McBride, who are both on four-year deals worth $19.1 and $19 million respectively per year.

Wright’s contract situation is also at a crossroads. Detroit could opt to extend him, let him play out the final year of his contract, or even cut him. But with only a $4.8 million cap hit and $2.1 of that still guaranteed, the cap savings of cutting Wright likely isn’t worth it, even though it’s fair to say he hasn’t quite lived up to the three-year, $12 million deal he signed two years ago. An extension isn’t out of the question, as the team seems to like him more than the public perception of his play.

Regardless, the Lions should be focused on adding more talent to the group this offseason. With the hiring of Drew Petzing as the team’s new offensive coordinator, it would not be surprising to see the Lions increase their use of 12 (two tight end) and 13 (three) personnel groupings. When at its best, the Lions’ offense was already using a high level of 12 personnel (29.3% in 2024, 8th), so it would make sense for Detroit to continue to lean in that direction.

That could mean targeting a pretty stacked class of free agent tight ends, including several with ties to either Petzing or new offensive coach hire Mike Kafka. But don’t be surprised if the Lions also add a tight end in the draft. With LaPorta likely to get paid in the next calendar year and Wright’s future with the team unclear, Detroit would be smart to add to that room a cheap, long-term option to complement LaPorta and develop under a system that will favor them.

Beyond personnel, this position group also needs a new coach after Tyler Roehl left to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator. It’s unclear where Detroit currently stands in their search for a new tight ends coach, but the most logical candidates are Seth Ryan, the team’s assistant tight ends coach, or Ben Steele, who has been the Cardinals’ tight ends coach under Petzing and been partially responsible for Trey McBride’s incredible start to his career.