Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright will not be joining the San Francisco 49ers after all. Last Friday, the 49ers signed Wright to an offer sheet, allowing the Lions to match the offer. The Lions had tendered Wright a first-right-of-refusal contract, guaranteeing him $2.985 million for the 2024 season.
San Francisco's offer was a three-year, $12 million deal with $6 million guaranteed. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Lions have decided to match the 49ers' offer, keeping Wright in Detroit.
Source: The #Lions have decided to match the 3-year, $12M offer to RFA TE Brock Wright from the #49ers. pic.twitter.com/a79l63YON6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2024
The 49ers will need to look elsewhere if they intend to find a new backup for All-Pro tight end George Kittle. However, Wright's pay raise means San Francisco has forced another NFC contender to use slightly more salary-cap space.
The Lions signed Wright (6-5, 250) as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame in 2021. He recorded 13 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown in 14 game appearances (four starts) with the Lions last season while playing 44 percent of the offensive snaps, per Pro Football Reference.
Wright, 25, is coming off an injury, having suffered a broken arm in the Lions' playoff victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The injury kept the tight end out of the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers, a thrilling game the Lions lost 34-31.
Throughout his three NFL seasons, Wright has caught 43 passes for 424 yards and seven touchdowns in 40 game appearances (19 starts). His most productive season statistically came in 2022 when he hauled in 18 receptions for 216 yards and four touchdowns.