Who Should I Start? Shane Zylstra or John FitzPatrick

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, April 15, 7:32 PM

Free agent tight end John FitzPatrick has re-signed with the Green Bay Packers on an undisclosed contract, according to the team. The former Georgia Bulldog will serve his second stint with the squad after kicking off his career with the Atlanta Falcons for two seasons. FitzPatrick has appeared in 18 games over the prior two seasons but has only caught two passes for 14 yards on two targets. He has yet to garner a start and logged just 91 snaps across both campaigns on offense. However, he also played a good chunk of special teams snaps. The 25-year-old is unlikely to make an impact on the field this year, with fellow tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft dominating playing time. FitzPatrick will provide Green Bay with more depth in 2025.