The Detroit Lions have brought in new offensive leadership with Mike Kafka and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, giving credence to the expectation of a retool on that side of the ball from a depth perspective. This is an obvious need along an offensive line that has no shortage of concerns, or at the quarterback position, where only Jared Goff is currently rostered. However, another change the Lions are likely to consider is parting ways with tight end Brock Wright. The backup missed the end of the season after suffering a throat injury against the New York Giants.
Wright's season would end with only 104 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. It makes sense, based on the injury-shortened year and limited production, to consider parting ways with the underwhelming pass catcher. According to Spotrac, if the Lions were to cut Wright after June 1, it would save the team $3.5 million in cap space. This is at least worth consideration as the franchise looks to improve the position and add a larger receiving threat behind Sam LaPorta.
There is no shortage of possible upgrades with Isaiah Likely, Austin Hooper, Taysom Hill, David Njoku, and Zach Ertz all scheduled to hit free agency as potential backup options. Any one of this group would be an upgrade over Wright as an obvious offensive threat within Detroit's offense. The question is simply whether the franchise wants to pay Wright while searching for another offensive-minded option or move on in hopes of utilizing the cleared cap space.
Lions TE Brock Wright Has Increasingly Tenuous Position Heading into 2026 Offseason
Another potential fit is Daniel Bellinger, who finished the 2025 season with 286 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Why the fit makes sense is tied to the recently hired Kafka, with the two spending time together while the new Lion was the interim head coach for the Giants. This at least has to be noted, as well as the likely bargain Bellinger will be in comparison to more proven options at the position.
Regardless of who, it seems increasingly likely that the position will be upgraded and Wright will be an attractive roster cut. The franchise needs all possible cap space to improve a struggling defense and an uncertain offensive line. Cutting Wright aids this and gives the franchise clear salary space to bring in a more trusted piece to the position.
The one possible counter to this could be Wright taking a pay cut with the Lions, enduring consistent injuries at the position in the 2025 season. The pass catcher may be willing to take the third tight end role and take a lesser deal after an underwhelming season. Either way, Wright's roster spot is an obvious offseason position where the Lions will be looking for potential upgrades.