To start the second week of free agency, the Detroit Lions made two more re-signings on Monday. They brought back linebacker Mitchell Agude for another year, while officially inking veteran Dan Skipper as well. Both signings aren't a huge needle mover, but they showed the Lions' emphasis on bringing back players from last year’s team.
Thus far, the Lions have re-signed 10 players from last year’s squad, while adding five outside free agents. On Tuesday, Detroit reportedly re-signed another veteran: tight end Shane Zylstra, per Vayner Sports. The terms of the deal were not announced by Zylstra’s agency.
.@Shanezylstra84 X @Lions #VaynerSports #NFL pic.twitter.com/fiRBUGlTPT
— VaynerSports (@vaynersports) March 18, 2025
Detroit didn’t tender the 28-year-old restricted free agent, making him an unrestricted free agent, and giving Zylstra the chance to sign with another team.
The veteran tight end initially joined the Lions in 2021 via the practice squad. Zylstra appeared in four games that season, playing 31 percent of snaps on offense and 33 percent on special teams.
The 28-year-old pass catcher was brought back for the 2022 season. However, he was cut but re-signed to the taxi squad a few days later on Oct. 4, 2023. Zlystra bounced back and forth between the active roster and practice squad.
In 2022, the 6-foot-4 tight end saw more time, appearing in 13 games (2 starts). Zylstra had 11 receptions (15 targets) for 60 yards and four touchdowns.
The Lions re-signed the former Minnesota State star following the 2022 season, but he missed the entire 2023 season with a knee injury. After spending the 2023 campaign on injured reserve, Zylstra came to training camp ready to compete for a roster spot.
However, the Lions cut the veteran tight end ahead of the 53-man roster deadline last summer but quickly re-signed to the practice squad. Zylstra bounced back and forth between the active roster and practice squad last season, appearing in 12 games (1 start). The former Minnesota State tight end spent the majority of his playing time on special teams.
Heading into this upcoming season, Zylstra will likely be competing with Kenny Yeboah, who the Lions just signed over the weekend for the TE3 job. The Lions’ top two tight ends are locked in with Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.