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11 Lions Whose Time in Detroit Will End After Divisional Round Loss

Detroit's quest for a Super Bowl title officially ended this weekend. As a result, these 11 Lions likely won't return to the Motor City next season.

By Devon Platana

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) warms up before the game between San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) warms up before the game between San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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9. Shane Zylstra, TE

The 2024 campaign marked Shane Zylstra's fourth year with the Lions. The former WR-turned-TE spent the entire 2023 season on the IR with a knee injury, leaving the Detroit faithful feeling hopeful that he could bounce back before becoming a free agent in March.

Try as he did, Zylstra barely made his presence felt this season. Despite suiting up in 12 contests, the former Minnesota State pass-catcher was only targeted once while being limited to 109 offensive snaps. He was often used as a blocker, which he struggled at proven by his horrific 19.5 pass block grade — the worst performance among 124 TEs last season, regardless of of their snap count.

Considering how Brock Wright and James Mitchell were both better blockers than Zylstra, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Lions let the former walk as a UFA this offseason. Simply put, he doesn't have what it takes to contribute to the best offense in the NFL.

Zylstra, 28, is still young enough to spend a few more seasons in the league, but they likely won't be played in Detroit. The Lions only have room for the most reliable players at their respective positions and it's clear that the inconsistent TE doesn't fit that description.

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