The Detroit Lions don’t have many offensive needs this coming offseason, but they do have a few spots where they could use some fine-tuning for the 2023 season.
One such place is tight end, where the team dealt away their top player T.J. Hockenson at last year’s trade deadline. In the absence of Hockenson, Detroit’s role players stepped up at the position. Even such, moves could need to be made for the future.
Detroit could be expected to at least monitor the tight end market, and if they do so, there are a few players that could make sense to sign as another weapon in the room.
Here’s who the Lions could look to target from the ranks of tight end when the offseason gets going.
Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers TE
This name will be a blast from the past for some Lions fans, who no doubt remember when Robert Tonyan hung around camp with the team in the 2017 offseason as an undrafted free agent only to get released and land with Green Bay.
Since, Tonyan has carved out a nice career for himself with the Packers, putting up 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns in the league. He’s caught plenty of passes from Aaron Rodgers, and may have earned himself a nice new paycheck in the process.
Why is this name of interest to Detroit? Not only has he been around the NFC North, but Tonyan fits the profile of an underrated free agent that would not break the bank at the position. He also wouldn’t preclude the Lions from drafting a tight end.
Looking for a win-win in the free agency market, this could be a good start for Detroit if they want an upgrade at the position that won’t cost too much.
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins TE
If it’s pass catching the Lions are looking for, Mike Gesicki is probably the best option for Detroit. The tight end hasn’t been known as a willing blocker, but he does a nice job to stretch the field.
In 2022, Gesicki posted a solid 316 yards and five touchdowns with Miami. In his career, he’s been able to have just as much success making big plays. Since joining the league in 2018 as a second-round pick out of Miami, Gesicki has posted 2,553 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
If the Lions determine they can get enough blocking elsewhere, they could always shell out a top deal for Gesicki. He could …read more
Source:: Heavy.com