The Detroit Lions haven't made any big splash signings during this free agent cycle. Instead, they went with the more conservative approach, but that doesn't mean they didn't make any quality additions. They snagged Cade Mays to be their center, leaving Tate Ratledge at guard.
And they continued with another solid addition. Mike McCartney of Vayner Sports revealed that the Lions signed tight end Tyler Conklin to a one-year deal. And while that isn't a big-name addition, Conklin's arrival fills in a major hole that was on Detroit's roster.
Lions Adding Tyler Conklin Is a Smart Addition
Last season, Sam LaPorta was limited to just nine games after getting placed on IR with a back injury. While LaPorta believes that he'll be ready to roll when OTAs kick off, the Lions needed a good depth option in the room.
In 2025, the Lions had Brock Wright, Anthony Firkser, Shane Zylstra, and Ross Dwelley fill in, but that group didn't yield good results. That quartet combined for 27 catches, 188 receiving yards, and two total touchdowns, which Wright scored.
That's not enough, and Detroit knew that. Currently, the Lions have Firkser, Zylstra, Thomas Gordon, and Zach Horton on the roster in addition to TE1 LaPorta. They couldn't lean on any of these guys to be TE2, and that's where Conklin will step in.
Conklin has been in the NFL for eight years, spending time with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and Los Angeles Chargers. In 127 career games (69 starts), he has 270 receptions (386 targets) for 2,645 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
He has recorded 50+ catches and 440+ receiving yards in four of the last five seasons, highlighting his ability to be a sure-handed pass catcher when his number is called. Last season didn't go as planned with the Chargers, as he logged seven grabs for 101 yards, but the entire offense for Los Angeles had its faults behind their putrid offensive line.
Nonetheless, Conklin's arrival raises the floor of the tight end room. The Lions desperately needed an upgrade for TE2, especially after LaPorta is coming back from a back injury. In case he misses time again in 2026, Conklin is someone who could step in and give this offense a solid starter. And he isn't a player that LaPorta should feel threatened by.
This type of move is a win-win for both Conklin and the Lions. Detroit gets a clear TE2, and Conklin joins a talented offense led by an offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing, who loves to get the tight ends involved.