Detroit Lions signing former Bears tight end to futures deal

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 10: Thomas Gordon #48 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Soldier Field on August 10, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Detroit Lions have reportedly signed free agent tight end Thomas Gordon to a futures deal, per Aaron Wilson.

Last year, Gordon spent some of the 2025 season-his rookie year-with the Chicago Bears. He signed with the team in August, didn't make their 53-man roster, signed to the practice squad in December, and was not signed to a futures deal by Chicago after their season ended.

Prior to his time with the Bears, Gordon was a late-season addition to the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas' squad. He played only one game for them and did not record any statistics.

Before that, Gordon played for the Northwestern Wildcats for six years, starting in 18 games and appearing in a total of 54. While he's never been a huge receiving threat, he did catch 27 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown in his super-senior year with the Wildcats in 2024.

At 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, Gordon is built like a blocking-first tight end, but he had varying levels of success in college.

A lot has been made in recent weeks about the Lions potentially playing more 13 personnel with the hiring of Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, which could mean more investment in the tight end position this offseason. Thus far, the Lions have only three other tight ends currently under contract for the 2026 season: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Zach Horton.

As of now, this signing is not yet official, but you can see every Lions player who is under contract for the 2026 season with our tracker here.