Lions should match the 49ers offer sheet and keep Brock Wright in Detroit

The Detroit Lions are facing a significant decision in the coming days, as they have until Wednesday to match the offer sheet tight end Brock Wright signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Although this decision is complex and needs careful consideration, there are compelling reasons why the Lions should match the offer sheet.

Retaining young and promising talent like Wright is crucial for the Lions, given the current status of the tight end position in Detroit. Wright provides stability and continuity during the team's potential run to the Super Bowl next season. Wright's ability as a blocker fits Detroit's offensive scheme more than any tight end on the roster. When called upon, he is a sure-handed receiver for quarterback Jared Goff. 

Beyond his play on the field, Wright's familiarity with the Lions' organization and culture is valuable. Retaining him would maintain team chemistry and allow him to continue growing within the team's ethos. It eliminates adding a tight end to the roster who's unfamiliar with the team's offense and culture.

Financially, matching the 49ers' offer sheet may require some strategic maneuvering, but the long-term benefits could outweigh the short-term costs. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the offer sheet is three years, $12 million with $6 million guaranteed.

The restricted free-agent tender applied to Wright by Detroit was for one year at $2.985 million (no guaranteed money). So the money isn't far off compared to the offer sheet, per year. General manager Brad Holmes has expressed desire to cultivate homegrown talent, and investing in Wright aligns with that strategy.

The exact rules attached to that sort of thing are unclear and not expressly spelled out, but if the offer sheet has void years in it the Lions may be able to adjust how the guaranteed money hits after they match it-if they match it.

SI.com's Christian Booher has floated a bold trade idea where the Lions would trade up from No. 29 overall in the first round of the draft and get Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers is a solid blocker, but he is considered more of a pass-catcher than a blocker, which overlaps with Sam LaPorta's role.

Keeping Brock Wright as the No. 2 tight end would not break the bank, and it will keep more of the roster continuity the Lions value so much.