The Detroit Lions are on the verge of reaching the Super Bowl and they made several moves to make it happen during free agency. The arrival of DJ Reed gives the Lions a top cornerback and other signings such as Avonte Maddox and Roy Lopez gives them significant depth in the secondary and defensive line.
While the defense saw some big changes, the offense didn’t have too many additions. One free agent signing is coming to Detroit in hopes of a breakout. But entering OTAs, he may have an uphill climb to make the roster and may not make it to the Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
New Lions TE Kenny Yeboah Won’t Make Team Out of Training Camp
The Lions made an intriguing depth signing in free agency when they added tight end Kenny Yeboah. The 26-year-old spent the first four seasons of his career with the New York Jets and appeared in 33 games with a pair of starts. Yeboah also had nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown during his time in New York but he isn’t coming to Detroit because of his production.
Yeboah’s biggest value comes on special teams. He played 606 snaps on special teams during his career and posted high grades of 86.7, 75.6 and 76.8 in his first three seasons according to Pro Football Focus. With Dan Skipper serving as a pseudo tight end in most sets, special teams will be Yeboah’s best chance to make the roster, but that’s where the problem lies.
The first two spots of the Lions’ depth chart are filled with Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. While Yeboah was signed as a potential upgrade, third tight end Shane Zylstra posted a 78.3 PFF grade in a career-high 215 special teams snaps last season. Zylstra also served as the team’s emergency long snapper as the season progressed and was re-signed shortly after Yeboah inked his deal.
Yeboah’s struggles on special teams last season (49.4) and adjustment to a new coaching staff puts him behind in the battle to win the third tight end job. Unless Yeboah has a big OTAs and training camp, his stay in Detroit is likely to be a short one.