The Detroit Lions have enjoyed a busy first week of free agency, re-signing some key players while adding depth pieces across the board to bolster the roster.
After unexpectedly falling short in the playoffs against the Washington Commanders and losing numerous trusted coaches, the Lions need to nail this offseason to remain one of the NFC's elite teams.
In an interesting signing on Saturday, the Lions added a reserve tight end with intriguing pass-catching chops who could grow into a larger role within Detroit's offense.
#Lions have signed TE Kenny Yeboah pic.twitter.com/gc4MHHZCAB
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) March 15, 2025
Lions Sign Former Jets TE Kenny Yeboah to End First Free Agency Week
The team announced they signed former New York Jets tight end Kenny Yeboah to a one-year deal. He's been in the NFL for four seasons, originally entering as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi.
Yeboah has appeared in 33 games primarily as a special teams contributor but does have two starts at tight end, catching nine passes for 111 yards and a TD. That might not seem like much, though some underlying evidence suggests there's untapped potential in the 26-year-old.
For his career, Yeboah averages 12.3 yards per catch. He saw his most playing time in 2024 and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a 118.7 passer rating when targeting him. As a senior at Ole Miss, Yeboah had six TDs on 27 catches while averaging an impressive 19.4 yards per reception. At six-foot-four and 250 pounds with strong hands, he's someone the Lions could get creative with him on the field at the same time as Sam LaPorta.
Yeboah has played at least 76% of New York's special teams snaps in each of the last three years. At the very least, he'll be a valuable contributor in Detroit, but his athleticism could lead to something more in Dan Campbell's offense.
Things will look different for the Lions in 2025 given all of the changes, though signings like this one should make fans excited about finding potential diamonds in the rough.