Will Brock Wright Remain in Detroit or head to the San Francisco 49ers?

Brock Wright signed a contract offer from the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions have until April 3, 2024, to match that contract. The 49ers are giving Wright a three-year, $12 million deal. Since Detroit placed Brock Wright as a restricted free agent tender, he was able to receive better offers than his current contract, and he did with the 49ers. Wright has been a valuable backup tight end, and the Lions have a decision to make on if he is worth that much.

Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez

The Lions have had Brock Wright as their backup tight end for three seasons. He has played a crucial role in run blocking and has been a part of over 1,000 snaps of offense in his time with the Lions. Detroit has used Wright as their backup tight end more often than other teams, and with a strong offensive line and run game, they will want a tight end who is a strong blocker.

Detroit has a couple of different options other than matching the contract Wright signed with the 49ers. They could grab a backup tight end in the draft who is younger and not as expensive. Detroit could also sign a remaining free agent. These options are possible, but not ideal. Even though Brock Wright would be an expensive $12 million second-string tight end, the Lions know what he brings to the table and there isn’t much risk. The other tight ends that Detroit has are James Mitchell and Shane Zlystra. They aren’t as effective at blocking, and Mitchell struggles with injuries. If Brock Wright ends up with the 49ers, Detroit will need to fill their second-string tight end spot.

Photo Credit: David Reginek

Brock Wright has been a productive tight end for Detroit over the last few seasons. The Lions know what they can get from him, and matching a three-year, $12 million deal seems like the most feasible option. It is still in the air if Detroit will offer Brock Wright a matched contract, and they have until Wednesday to do so.