While the Detroit Lions look far from ready to end their investment in Isaac TeSlaa, you can't ignore that the second-year receiver is struggling so far in training camp and the preseason.
After being projected by the team itself to make a big leap in 2026, TeSlaa has not looked like a reliable pass catcher for Detroit as they are on the hunt for a Kalif Raymond replacement. And, the Lions have some lurking talent behind TeSlaa - Greg Dortch, namely - that could step up in his place. So, he's not without some sturdy competition.
That said, his struggles in preseason might've also led to Detroit being out on a recent trade that involved a position of need for them: safety.
The New England Patriots sent out wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed, along with a seventh round pick. This is a team that Detroit's already done business with this offseason, and they could've gotten something like this done had TeSlaa shown any progress this offseason.
TeSlaa's struggles could've precluded Lions from trade for safety
Right now, Detroit has one of the best wide receiver rooms in the NFL, and they're not that top heavy. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams obviously highlight the room, but they've got talent in Dortch, Dominic Lovett, Tay Martin, and even Tom Kennedy to add to the mix. And, that's all without mentioning TeSlaa.
Had they been in on this sort of deal, it wouldn't have messed with too much of their current depth, although it might've turned some heads as the Lions are trying to prove post-2024 draft that they really know what they're doing in that process. TeSlaa, who was taken after a trade up in 2025, has to be successful, or it'll be another negative notch on general manager Brad Holmes' draft record.
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That said, safety is obviously a big position of need for the Lions, especially with their secondary looking really shaky overall. There's only so much a well-improved defensive line can mask. Assuming Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are out for only four weeks this season, that still leaves them relying on backups to get them through the first fifth of their season.
Chuck Clark has impressed in camp, but we've stopped hearing too much about Christian Izien starting at safety alongside him. So, is the plan starting veteran Avonte Maddox there, and hoping he can bounce back from a quiet 2025? Or, are they relying on Thomas Harper to become the next breakout DB from the 'Legion of Whom?' Neither sound like ridiculously reliable plans.
To be fair, Reed isn't necessarily this powerhouse of a safety. He is a nice potential addition to the Patriots' special teams unit more than anything else, although extra health and competition added to the safety room is never a bad thing - especially for this trade compensation.
TeSlaa will need to show some signs of life in Week 3 of the preseason against the Indianapolis Colts, assuming he plays. If he doesn't, a lot of questions are bound to swirl about his fit with this contending offense.
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