After it looked like restricted free-agent tight end Brock Wright might leave for the San Francisco 49ers after signing an offer sheet with the team last week, the Detroit Lions said, "not so fast, my friends."
The Lions announced on Wednesday that they have indeed matched the offer sheet from the 49ers on the same day the deadline hit, which will lock Wright into Detroit for three more seasons. The deal is worth $12 million in total and includes $6 million guaranteed.
The guaranteed money falls in line with the tender the Lions extended to Wright that would have paid him a shade under $3 million for one year.
Wright, who has proven to be an excellent run-blocker and sneaky-good pass-catcher over three seasons, will return as the backup to star tight end Sam LaPorta, keeping together what is a solid tight ends room in Detroit.
The Lions stopping the Niners from taking Wright from them drew a positive reaction from fans on social media.
Let's Brock and roll 🤟 pic.twitter.com/yYLqUmT1Dd
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 3, 2024
Brock Wright is BACK! https://t.co/IRkMK5nLrM
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) April 3, 2024
Let's Brock and roll! Brock Wright is here to stay! 🤩🎸#OnePride @Lions pic.twitter.com/oLJlSaPOt1
— Alexander Johnson (@AJohnsonSports) April 3, 2024
Ben Johnson is a happy man getting Brock Wright back!
— LionsFanReport (@lionsfanreport) April 3, 2024
It was Johnson who originally identified Wright at his Pro Day and has been a valuable piece to the #Lions running game. https://t.co/LZ03BRIYdz
I had a good feeling they’d match to keep Brock Wright! People are underestimating how much they like him and use him in the run game just because he isn’t catching 50 balls. He’s also capable as a pass catcher when called upon. Glad he’s staying
— Patrick DeVito (@TheLionsMan) April 3, 2024
$4M AAV is a lot for Brock Wright but I can understand why we did it. It's not end-of-the-world money and he was pretty important to our offense w/ blocking https://t.co/NwTDcZ5sOf
— Levi Bright (@JASF_Detroit) April 3, 2024
Great move. Brock has been one of the most underrated, yet important, parts of this offense since he got here. Let’s GO!
— R. C. (@rcblue3) April 3, 2024
its a smart move, its a good tight end that is worth the bidding battle for, plus it is only like $4 million/year
— RealMythicalDragon (@real_dr1) April 3, 2024