DONE DEAL: Detroit Lions Make A re-sign Of tight end…

Football injuries are seldom completely preventable, but tight end Shane Zylstra feels as though his ACL tear could

have been avoided when cornerback Khalil Dorsey dove at his knees during a drill. Zylstra suffered the injury early in

2023 training camp. Dan Campbell, the head coach, was not happy about it.

The day following the play, Campbell stated, “To be honest, it shouldn’t have happened.” “No, that’s not acceptable,

and it has been brought up. We don’t operate like that. And Khalil feels terrible, too, I assure you. We understand,

but we also need to look out for one another. We still need to work together, compete, and be physically close to one

another, but we also need to look out for one another. That being said, we discussed it, and we proceeded.”

The Lions had ownership over Zylstra’s rights as an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, so they didn’t need to

do anything more than offer him a deal to retain him. However, the team announced his re-signing on Monday

afternoon.

The Lions are bringing Zylstra back for what is certain to be a one-year contract for the league minimum or close to it

in place of the tender. It’s possible that Zylstra requested the removal of the ERFA status, as Erik Schlitt of Pride of

Detroit pointed out, or that the Lions are just offering him a better structured contract with some signing bonus

money, etc. on their own.

Sam LaPorta, who broke numerous records in his rookie campaign last year, is undoubtedly a fantastic tight end that

the Lions have acquired. However, there is some concern about the depth behind him because last season’s active

roster included James Mitchell, Brock Wright (a restricted free agent), and Anthony Firkser (an unrestricted free

agent). Prior to the NFC Championship Game, Zach Ertz was added to the practice squad. However, he did not play

in that game and is currently a free agent. Zylstra joined the Lions’ tight end mix in 2022 following the trade of T.J.

Hockenson, and he scored four touchdowns on 11 receptions, including a three-touchdown performance in Week 16

against the Carolina Panthers. He signed with the Lions in 2021 and played in four games (three catches for 34

yards) while dividing his time between the active roster and the practice squad.

Zylstra shouldn’t be any better than the Lions’ No. 2 or No. 3 tight end if he plays through to Week 1. However, his

return indicates that he is totally recovered from the ACL tear.