Although the Detroit Lions’ offense remained one of the league's best in both passing yards (253.1) and points (28.3) per game during the 2025 campaign, it was evident that this year’s team missed the creativity of former play-caller Ben Johnson. The Lions' top priority this offseason has been upgrading their offensive coaching staff, and they continued that trend on Monday with the hiring of former New York Giants offensive coordinator and interim head coach Mike Kafka.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the former quarterback will be joining the Lions “in a high-ranking offensive staff role”, where both he and newly hired offensive coordinator Drew Petzing are set to have significant control over the offense. Kafka’s hiring could potentially influence some former players to join him in Detroit, including New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger.
Lions Must Pair Daniel Bellinger Alongside Sam LaPorta
Former offensive coordinator John Morton deservedly received the majority of the criticism for the offense’s horrendous play last year; Brad Holmes failed to acquire quality depth at tight end, and that proved to be costly. Once Sam LaPorta was ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a back injury in Week 10, the Lions’ tight ends fell off a cliff.
Over their remaining eight games, the tight end group combined for just 18 receptions for 117 yards. That is horrendous. It’s not just this season; the backups have been abysmal the last few years.
Brock Wright has been the Lions’ top backup tight end during this stretch and hasn’t provided Detroit much receiving production. During his five-year tenure, Wright has been serviceable at best, recording just 70 receptions for 632 yards and 11 touchdowns across 69 games.
Even though it's never ideal for your star player to go down, LaPorta’s absence exposed the Lions’ weakness at tight end. With LaPorta’s return timetable uncertain, Detroit should pursue Bellinger and sign him in free agency.
In his four-year run with Kafka as offensive coordinator, Bellinger has been solid, hauling in 88 receptions for 934 yards and four touchdowns, starting 42 out of 62 games. While he’s proven to be dependable, his numbers don’t stand out for a starter.
Bellinger could, however, serve well as a backup, and Detroit would be the perfect fit. His established connection with Kafka would ease his transition into the Lions offense and determine how the team will use him.
Not to mention, Petzing played a pivotal role in the emergence of Arizona Cardinals’ star tight end Trey McBride. Unlike with the Giants, the Lions have several talented playmakers that opposing defenses have to keep an eye on, which could translate to more targets for Bellinger.
With this year’s free agent class loaded with premium depth at tight end, it shouldn’t cost the Lions too much to sign Bellinger. His price range shouldn’t far exceed Wright’s, who signed a three-year, $12 million extension back in 2024.
All in all, the Lions should prioritize acquiring insurance behind LaPorta in the offseason.