Ex-Lions TE Finds New Home With Conference Rival Ahead Of Camp
Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Anthony Firkser (86) runs through a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Anthony Firkser (86) runs through a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions are moving forward with a different tight end depth chart. Now, one of last season’s veteran contributors has found a new opportunity in the NFC.
Anthony Firkser has now signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the Washington Commanders. They highlighted the veteran’s extensive experience when they announced his signing.
“Firkser, an undrafted free agent from Harvard, has appeared in 85 games with 8 starts in 8 NFL seasons,’ said the Commanders.
They also mentioned his production across multiple teams as well.
“Firkser was most recently with the Detroit Lions, where he played in seven games last season but has also spent time with the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. Firkser has 123 receptions on 163 targets for 1,260 yards and five touchdowns.”
Aug 3, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Anthony Firkser (86) heads to the practice fields at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Anthony Firkser (86) heads to the practice fields at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Booher of SI.com previously noted that Firkser provides flexibility, which was why the Lions valued him as depth.
“The veteran has experience playing both as a tight end and as a traditional fullback, which could be advantageous for the Lions if they ever need to utilize him as a game-day elevation.”
Detroit had originally signed Firkser after working out several tight end candidates. He was also part of the 2023 season with the Lions, mostly on special teams.
While Detroit could have signed him back, they have instead decided to go for somebody different.
Lions Continuing to Build Tight End Depth
Firkser is headed to Washington, but Detroit has already reshaped the back end of its tight end room.
The Lions are still led by 1-time Pro Bowler tight end Sam LaPorta. Behind him, the team has added Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman as an undrafted free agent after the NFL Draft.
Draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected him as a player capable of developing into a useful backup and special teams contributor.
“Kitselman has good size and will play as a connected tight end on the next level. He has enough speed to stress man coverage into the second level.”
Kitselman showed flashes of his potential in his final college season. He recorded 26 receptions for 253 yards. The Lions seem comfortable moving on from Firkser while giving an opportunity to younger talent in Kitselman.
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Written by
Dhruv Vishnu Nair
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi