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The Detroit Lions have made a sly move in free agency and signed a $27 Million talent from Jim Harbaugh and Chargers.
The Detroit Lions aren’t making really flashy moves during the NFL free agency period, but they’re at least doing something, and on Friday, March 23, the team officially announced a new addition to the roster.
The Lions have signed tight end Tyler Conklin, a Michigan native and Central Michigan University product. Conklin, according to research from Spotrac, has earned more than $27 million in the NFL since joining the league in 2018.
Conklin entered the NFL in 2018 as a fifth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings. He was with the Vikings until 2021, and from there, he went to the New York Jets from 2022 to 2024. He landed with Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers for the 2025-26 season.
At Central Michigan, Conklin was lettered during three seasons, from 2015 to 2017, and earned third-team All-Mid American Conference honors in 2017. He totaled 83 receptions for 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns, according to a report from the Chargers.
Detroit Lions Make Things Official With Tyler Conklin of the Los Angeles Chargers
Conklin was an unrestricted free agent as of Wednesday, March 11, and he last played for the Chargers. The Detroit Lions’ contract terms were not disclosed.
Conklin arrives with the Detroit Lions after spending last season in Los Angeles, where he appeared in 13 games with five starts and recorded seven receptions for 101 yards, according to the Lions’ official announcement.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes is known for getting “deals” on low-profile players, and it appears that’s the move he’s taking here. Even though contract terms weren’t disclosed, it’s likely the Lions got him for a steal. His deal with the Chargers was a one-year, $3 million contract.
Detroit Lions Add Players, But Cut Talent, Too, in Free Agency
Of course, the Lions are making moves during the NFL free agency, and on Wednesday, March 11, they made an unexpected one by releasing a former second-round pick. The franchise parted ways with defensive lineman Josh Paschal, and the player is now able to sign with another team.
The move cleared up cap space of just over $1.75 million for the 2026-27 season. His deal with the team was a four-year, $7.73 million deal with $4.13 million guaranteed, according to Spotrac research.
The Lions drafted Paschal in 2022 as a second-round pick and played in 40 games for the team in the regular season. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2025 season due to a back injury. He was also known for sharing his story of battling cancer during his time with the Lions. With the franchise, Paschal had 69 tackles, five sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Two of the biggest moves made by the Lions in free agency included adding free agent running back Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs to replace David Montgomery and bringing back Teddy Bridgewater to back up quarterback Jared Goff.
“That was something he did really good for us (in New Orleans),” Campbell said regarding Bridgewater back in 2024. “He would come in the day before the game, and he would take those young receivers out, go through the whole game plan, tell them what they’re looking for. ‘Here is the coverage, here is what I’m thinking.”
He added, “How are you running this? No, I do not like that.’ He ran the scout teams, he was competitive, running cards. It was just awesome, man. He’s that type of guy, an unbelievable teammate. He’s a pro. He’s a vet. He handles his business.”
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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