Brock Wright Lions Contract Details Explored

Brock Wright will remain in Motown after 49ers showed interest.

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions did not incur much of a salary cap hit by making the decision to bring back tight end Brock Wright.

Even though on the surface it appears the deal is three years for $12 million, the structure of the contract allows for the team to only take on a cap hit of $1,764,000 in 2024 and $2,629,000 for 2025.

If the team decides to part ways with Wright after two seasons, the dead money cost would be minimal.

The use of multiple void years in 2027, 2028 and 2029 allows for the salary cap hit to be spread out over multiple years, making the front office's decision easy to bring back a reliable run blocker and emerging pass-catcher.

For the 25-year-old, there is motivation to continue his development in Ben Johnson's offense, as there are roster and workout bonuses he can earn the next couple of seasons.

In 2024, Sam LaPorta is expected to be the top tight end on the depth chart, while Wright will be in competition with James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra for targets and playing time.

Zylstra is returning after missing the entire 2023 NFL season when he suffered a severe knee injury in training camp.

Contract details

2024:

• Base salary: $1,055,000
• Signing bonus: $709,000
• Workout bonus: $50,000
• Salary cap: $1,764,000

2025:

• Base salary: $1,170,000
• Signing bonus: $709,000
• Workout bonus: $50,000
• Salary cap: $2,629,000

2026:

• Base salary: $3,310,000
• Signing bonus: $709,000
• Wokout bonus: $50,000
• Salary cap hit: $4,854,000
• Dead cap: $2,127,000

2027 (Void)

• Dead cap: $1,418,000