Who Should I Start? Shane Zylstra or Jaheim Bell

Tuesday, March 18, 2:24 PM

Free-agent tight end Shane Zylstra is signing back with the Detroit Lions, according to NFL.com. The 2020 undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State began his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings before being released ahead of his rookie campaign. He signed on with Detroit ahead of the 2021 season and has been on and off the active roster ever since. Overall, Zylstra has appeared in 29 games for Detroit (three starts) and has collected 15 receptions for 116 yards and four touchdowns. Even if he makes the team's active roster in 2025, he's a longshot to see significant playing time behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.

Tuesday, August 20, 9:58 PM

New England Patriots rookie tight end Jaheim Bell suddenly found himself at the top of the depth chart early this week with Hunter Henry (lower body) and Austin Hooper (undisclosed) held out of practice and Mitchell Wilcox (calf) leaving practice early with his injury. Bell has taken a lot of reps and caught touchdowns from three different quarterbacks as he is making the most of the opportunity on the field with several tight ends ahead of him out for recent practice sessions. While Bell should not be drafted in fantasy football for 2024, he could be somebody to keep an eye on if injuries continue to strike the tight end room. The 23-year-old from Florida State should get plenty of work in the Patriots' final preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.