The Detroit Lions have added another veteran player who participated in the team’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis: tight end Parker Hesse.
The Lions officially announced the signing via their X account on May 13, confirming the addition of wide receiver Kaden Davis as well.
During his college years at Iowa, Hesse initially played linebacker as a freshman before transitioning to defensive end. Following the 2019 NFL draft, where he went undrafted, Hesse signed with the Tennessee Titans. It was during the 2019 preseason with the Titans that he made the switch to tight end.
After spending the 2019 and 2020 seasons on the Titans’ practice squad, Hesse gained his first regular-season NFL experience with the Atlanta Falcons. This transition was facilitated by Arthur Smith, who had previously served as the Titans’ offensive coordinator before becoming the Falcons’ head coach.
Over the past three seasons with the Falcons, Hesse’s standout year statistically was in 2022, when he recorded 9 receptions for 89 yards. However, Atlanta primarily utilized him as a blocker, both at tight end and in the backfield. This is expected to be his role with the Lions during the upcoming season.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 261 pounds, Hesse possesses the physique of a blocking tight end, a role that aligns well with his background as a defensive tackle. Jeremy Reisman noted that Hesse’s history indicates his readiness to embrace physicality on the field.
