BREAKING NEWS: Detroit Lions adding veteran tight end to mix

New York Jets tight end Kenny Yeboah (88) gets the crowd going during the first half against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 East Rutherford, N.J. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Detroit Lions are signing veteran tight end Kenny Yeboah away from the New York Jets to a one-year deal.

Yeboah’s signing was first reported by the Detroit Free Press, and the tight end was retweeting news of his move to the Lions on Friday night.

The 26-year-old went undrafted out of Mississippi back in 2021. Yeboah has only nine career catches, playing between a rotational role and special teams in New York. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder had five catches for 47 yards and one touchdown last season, playing 106 offensive snaps and another 169 on special teams.

Detroit had a quiet need for tight end depth entering free agency and draft season. Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are the undisputed one-two punch, but James Mitchell has since landed in Carolina and veteran Shane Zylstra remains a free agent.

LaPorta is one of the top tight ends in the league, with 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns through his first two seasons. Wright is a trusted second option, who has proven able to handle the dirty work.

Yeboah adds some size and youth to the room, with more than enough experience to battle for a spot in the rotation and on special teams. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lions add Zylstra back to the roster, while also considering developmental options in the draft.