Reports: Lions match 49ers offer sheet for TE Brock Wright

Apr 3, 2024, 11:30 AM | Updated: 1:56 pm

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: Brock Wright #89 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The Brock Wright era in the Bay Area has come to a close before it even started.

Reports emerged Wednesday morning that the Detroit Lions are matching the San Francisco 49ers’ offer sheet for tight end Brock Wright. The offensive player was a restricted free agent this offseason, with Detroit holding the right of refusal for Wright. They exercised that right Wednesday, matching the 49ers’ offer of 3-years, $12 million to retain the TE.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was first with the news Wednesday, with other insiders following suit. The Lions confirmed the news thereafter.

Let's Brock and roll 🤟 pic.twitter.com/yYLqUmT1Dd

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 3, 2024

Brock Wright, 25, served as the Lions’ No. 2 tight end last season. He has also featured in h-back/fullback roles in his career, making him a versatile component for an offense. He has amassed 424 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in three NFL seasons.

The Notre Dame alum suffered a broken arm in the 2024 NFC Divisional Round win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, forcing him to be unavailable a week later against the 49ers. Now months removed, Detroit has blocked Wright from joining the Red & Gold, doing so at the 11th hour of his restricted free agency.

The 49ers now head into the draft season with only four tight ends on the roster. Besides George Kittle, no other 49ers TE has recorded a reception in the NFL. SF is hopeful 2023 draft picks Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis can take steps forward in 2024, but seemingly remain skeptical. The Wright offer sheet was indicative of that.