Lions Sign Two Tight Ends, Waive Derrick Deese

Lions announce several roster moves on Day 9 of training camp.

The Detroit Lions are signing tight ends Daniel Helm and Darrell Daniels to replace the injured Shane Zylstra. Derrick Deese was also waived Wednesday.

Helm will take the roster spot of Zylstra, who reportedly suffered a severe knee injury Monday when cornerback Khalil Dorsey tackled him low. 

Zylstra was waived Tuesday with an injury designation. After clearing waivers, he will revert back to injured reserve.

An undrafted free agent in 2019, Helm has spent time with six NFL teams and was most recently with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL. 

With the Showboats, he caught 20 passes for 205 yards. He started all 10 games he played in for the team, which finished 5-5. 

He's the latest player signed by the Lions who spent the spring playing in a different league. Kicker Parker Romo was a standout in the XFL, while wide receiver Trey Quinn was the second-leading receiver for the USFL's Michigan Panthers. 

Last season, the Lions signed return man Maurice Alexander from the USFL's Philadelphia Stars. 

In his four NFL seasons, he's caught just one pass. That came in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders. He initially signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as a UDFA and has also spent time with the 49ers, Chiefs, Buccaneers, Raiders and Falcons.

The 28-year-old played one college season at Tennessee before transferring to Duke. In his five-year career, he caught 75 passes for 804 yards. 

Daniels has played with five NFL organizations along with the XFL's San Antonio Brahmas. 

Zylstra's injury is believed to keep him out six months, though the specifics are unknown. 

Prior to the setback, Zylstra was viewed as a strong competitor for a roster spot due to his athleticism and potential special teams ability. 

Elsewhere at the position, the Lions have rookie Sam LaPorta along with veteran Brock Wright and second-year prospect James Mitchell.