The Detroit Lions face the risk of losing tight end Brock Wright to the San Francisco 49ers after he signed an offer sheet with the opposing team.
Reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Wright’s move to sign an offer sheet with the 49ers puts the Lions in a precarious position regarding the veteran tight end’s future.
Initially offered a restricted free agent tender by the Lions worth $2.985 million for one season, Wright had the choice to accept the one-year deal or explore better offers elsewhere. Opting for the latter, he ventured to assess his market value.
However, there remains a possibility of Wright returning to Detroit. With the Lions applying the restricted free agent tender, they retain the right to match any contract offered by the 49ers. Presently, the specific terms of the 49ers’ offer remain undisclosed.
UPDATE: According to Dave Birkett, the 49ers have extended a three-year, $12 million contract offer to Wright.
Should Detroit choose to match the offer, Wright will remain with the Lions. Failure to do so would enable the 49ers to secure his services, with the Lions receiving no compensation in return, given their use of the “right of first refusal only” tender, which offers the lowest salary.
Wright has contributed to the Lions over the past three seasons, primarily serving as a backup tight end with a significant role in blocking. Across 41 game appearances and 19 starts, he has accumulated 43 receptions, 424 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Losing Wright would leave the Lions with limited options at the tight end position, currently featuring Sam LaPorta, James Mitchell, and Shane Zylstra under contract.
