Former Lions Tight End Cut by Chiefs After NFL Draft
Veteran tight end Anthony Firkser was let go by the Kansas City Chiefs after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Firkser saw action in five games with the Detroit Lions in 2023. The Harvard graduate contributed to the team’s NFC Championship Game appearance, suiting up for all three postseason contests after earning a role late in the year.
Now 30 years old, Firkser has spent seven seasons in the NFL, making stops with the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Chiefs, and Lions. He’s recorded 115 receptions for 1,207 yards and five touchdowns across his career. His only catch with Detroit went for 8 yards during that memorable playoff stretch.
The Lions are in a strong position at tight end, with Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright returning as the top two on the depth chart. LaPorta is the dynamic playmaker in the passing game, while Wright is the reliable blocker and key support piece.
Shane Zylstra also returns after locking down the TE3 role last season. Detroit signed tight end Kenny Yeboah in free agency as well. Yeboah, who began his NFL journey with the New York Jets, brings added size and strength at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds.
Though the Lions didn’t select a tight end in the draft, they did bring in some new faces during undrafted free agency, including Caden Prieskorn (Ole Miss) and Zach Horton (Indiana), for a look this offseason
