The Detroit Lions continue to add to their depth chart amidst some injuries potentially landing players on the IR to begin the season. Their latest addition is someone who is very familiar to their tight end, Sam LaPorta: another tight end, Steven Stilianos. Pat Rifino was the first reporter with the signing.
Stilianos is a former TE in the XFL, playing with the San Antonio Brahamas. Prior to there, he was also with the Tennessee Titans as an underafted free agent in 2024 prior to being cut by the team. He played nine games with the Brahamas, going for 86 yards on 15 passes caught. Stilianos was utilized as a blocking tight end by the XFL team.
Stilianos adds competition to a room that includes Kenny Yeboah, Shane Zylstra, Brock Wright, and LaPorta. He and LaPorta were teammates on the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2022.
Lions add depth at TE position with Stilianos signing
Obviously, Detroit isn't looking to shake things up at TE1 - that's LaPorta's job to lose in camp, and so far, he's appeared ready to dominate in Year 3 with the Lions and in the league. Stilianos could be a useful tight end to plug for the Lions' running game, however.
As a blocking tight end, you're expected to both protect the pocket and create larger lanes for your running back(s) against tight coverage up front. For the Lions and their revamped offense that's looking to take advantage of having both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs on the field together, someone with Stilianos' skill set could be huge for their offensive line and running lanes.
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Additionally, he's obviously a solid last resort passing option for whoever is in the pocket for Detroit, having gotten some solid burn in with the Brahamas this spring. With so many injuries taking hold of the Lions' depth chart, Stilianos is a smart addition to the roster.
With the Lions having extra preseason games after playing the Hall of Fame game, it's good for them and OC John Morton to get some extra looks at fresh faces as we lead into Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers.