After a season with the Chargers, Tyler Conklin is heading back to the NFC North. The former Vikings and Jets tight end is joining the Lions, according to his agent.
Conklin saw his pass-catching momentum stall last season. The emergence of fifth-round rookie Oronde Gadsden II diminished Conklin’s standing in Los Angeles’ offense, but prior to that disappointing campaign, the former Minnesota fifth-rounder had been a consistent receiving option. He joins a Lions team that played much of last season without Sam LaPorta, who underwent back surgery in November.
Outplaying fellow 2022 Jets tight end signee C.J. Uzomah in New York, Conklin amassed at least 550 receiving yards each season from 2021-23. Creating a nice 2022 FA market after a 593-yard Vikings performance in his contract year, Conklin caught 58 passes for 552 yards and three touchdowns in Zach Wilson‘s second Jets season.
Although Wilson proved to be a megabust in New York, Conklin totaled a career-high 621 receiving yards in 2023 — after Aaron Rodgers went down four plays into the season. With Davante Adams joining the Jets during the 2024 season, Conklin saw his numbers dip a bit after Rodgers’ return (51/449/4) but still brought a quality auxiliary option.
Playing out a three-year, $20.25MM Jets deal, Conklin landed only a one-year pact worth $3MM from the Chargers. The 30-year-old TE caught just seven passes for 101 yards in 13 games as a Charger. The Bolts rostered Will Dissly alongside Gadsden last year as well, though they have since released him.
This represents a homecoming for Conklin, who is a Chesterfield, Mich., native. Conklin also played his college ball in the state, suiting up for Central Michigan. Conklin combined for 11 TD grabs during his final two seasons with the Chippewas. He will represent a solid receiving option behind LaPorta, giving the Lions some insurance. Blocking option Brock Wright remains on the roster as well, though he is now in a contract year two offseasons after the team matched his 49ers RFA offer sheet.
Lions fans screaming this isn’t a superstar in 3… 2… 1…
Someone already laughed at me when I said laporta, wright and Conklin is actually a decent te room. People just was 53 pro bowlers on the roster.
And they’re jumping off a bridge because the team went 9-7 with half their roster on IR. 97.1 and their fake outrage for ratings brainwashes these people
Good blocking TE, good route runner. LaPorta might not be 100% week 1. I can dig it.
Good signing by Holmes, but how about some help for the DL, LB and Secondary!!!!! What is he waiting for????
Conklin is a solid option as TE2. The Lions better cut Wright now, since Holmes matched an overly expensive QO from San Francisco to keep him.
Gruß,
BSHH