Lions Add Veteran TE ‘Who Welcomes Contact’ - quynhlong

The Detroit Lions have signed another veteran player who worked out with the team on a tryout basis during rookie minicamp — tight end Parker Hesse.

The Lions announced the signing and confirmed the addition of wide receiver Kaden Davis on the team’s official X account on May 13.

“Lions have signed WR Kaden Davis and TE Parker Hesse.”

In college at Iowa, Hesse played linebacker as a freshman and then moved to defensive end. After going undrafted during the 2019 NFL draft, Hesse signed with the Tennessee Titans. During the 2019 preseason, the Titans moved him to tight end.

He spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons on the Titans practice squad.

That experience helped lead him to his first NFL regular season experience with the Atlanta Falcons. Arthur Smith served as Titans offensive coordinator from 2019-20 and then brought Hesse with him to Atlanta when he became Falcons head coach.

Hesse played the past three seasons with the Falcons. His best statistical season was in 2022 when he caught 9 passes for 89 yards.

But Atlanta mostly used Hesse as a blocker at tight end and in the backfield. That’s likely the role he will fulfill this summer with the Lions.

“At 6-foot-3, 261 pounds, he’s built like a blocking tight end, and obviously, his history as a defensive tackle offers someone who welcomes contact,” wrote Jeremy Reisman.

Lions Veteran TE Parker Hesse

Hesse was the second of two veterans the Lions signed from rookie minicamp tryouts. With those two additions, Detroit has filled every vacancy on its 90-man roster.

Hesse will attempt to make the Lions roster as a blocking tight end specialist. However, Reisman noted that Hesse has not exactly excelled as a run blocker in recent years.

“His run blocking grades at the NFL level have been just marginal, earning a 72.5 PFF his first season in Atlanta, and 61.2 and 50.9 the last two years,” wrote Reisman.

However, Hesse has been better at pass blocking according to Pro Football Focus. He earned a pass protection grade of at least 70.9 (out of 100) in all three of his seasons with the Falcons.

In his first season with Atlanta, Hesse recorded 5 catches for 43 yards. He has posted 14 receptions and 132 receiving yards in 28 career games. Hesse also played 306 special teams snaps in Atlanta.

Last year, he didn’t have a target in three contests. Hesse spent most of last season on the Falcons practice squad.

Hesse’ Tough Road to Earning Roster Spot in Detroit

There’s value to be found in a pass blocking tight end who can play special teams. But Hesse will likely still have a difficult time earning a job with the Lions.

That’s because Detroit has done a great job of filling out their tight end depth this offseason.

The Lions matched an offer sheet from the San Francisco 49ers to prevent Brock Wright from leaving the team. They also re-signed veteran Shane Zylstra and added undrafted rookie Isaac Rex.

The team already had rookie standout Sam LaPorta and James Mitchell under contract as well.

So, Hesse will become the sixth tight end on the Lions roster. He will likely have to improve as a run blocker and really excel on special teams to climb the depth chart.