NFL 2026
TC #83
TE · #83 Detroit Lions

Tyler Conklin

Tight End · Central Michigan

Tyler Conklin is a veteran tight end out of Central Michigan who signed with the Detroit Lions in March 2026.

Conklin began as a basketball player at Northwood before transferring to Central Michigan to play football. He built a reliable receiving track record with the Vikings and Jets. After a quiet 2025 with the Chargers, he signed with Detroit.

Fifth-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2018
Former basketball player turned tight end at Central Michigan
Signed with the Detroit Lions in March 2026

Path to the league

Conklin initially attended Northwood to play basketball before transferring to Central Michigan, where he switched to football. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He later spent time with the New York Jets before reaching free agency.

2025 season

Conklin signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in March 2025 but struggled for playing time. He caught seven of 10 targets for 101 yards across 13 games and was a healthy scratch in five of the team's final six contests as rookie Oronde Gadsden emerged, per The Detroit News. He signed with the Detroit Lions in March 2026.

Sources

  • The Detroit News: Tyler Conklin determined to show 2025 was fluke
  • ESPN: Tyler Conklin player page

Statistics

2025 season and career

2025 Season · Receiving

13 games played
7
REC
101
YDS
14.4
AVG
0
TD
33
LNG

Receiving · career

YearTeamGPRECYDSAVGTDLNG
2025chargers13710114.4033
2024jets16514498.8427
2023jets176162110.2037
2022jets17585529.5330
2021vikings17615939.7340
2020vikings161919410.2130
2019vikings158587.3020
2018vikings1657715.4033

Rushing · career

YearTeamGPCARYDSAVGTDLNG
2025chargers13122.002
2024jets16100.000
2023jets17100.000
2022jets17231.502

Player Profile

83
Jersey
6' 3"
Height
248 lbs
Weight
9 seasons
Experience

Background

Position
Tight End
Group
offense
College
Central Michigan
Hometown
Chesterfield, MI, USA
Age
30
Status
active