The Detroit Lions are making a strategic move by signing Thomas Gordon, a former Chicago Bears tight end, to a futures deal. This move comes with an intriguing backstory, as Gordon's journey to the NFL has been a bit unconventional.
Last season, Gordon's rookie year, he began with the Bears in August. Despite his potential, he didn't make the 53-man roster and was signed to the practice squad in December. Interestingly, the Bears didn't extend a futures deal to Gordon after their season concluded, leaving him without an NFL contract for the time being.
Before joining the Bears, Gordon had a brief stint with the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas, suiting up for just one game without recording any statistics. However, his college career with the Northwestern Wildcats was more eventful. Over six years, Gordon started in 18 games and appeared in 54 total games, showcasing his versatility and potential as a tight end.
While Gordon has never been a prominent receiving threat, he demonstrated his skills in his super-senior year with the Wildcats in 2024, catching 27 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, Gordon's physical attributes align with the profile of a blocking-first tight end.
The Lions' decision to sign Gordon is particularly intriguing given recent developments. The hiring of Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator has sparked speculation about the team's potential shift towards a 13-personnel formation, which could mean increased investment in the tight end position this offseason. With only three other tight ends currently under contract for the 2026 season (Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Zach Horton), Gordon's addition could be a strategic move to bolster the team's depth and versatility at the position.
