Former Panthers, Packers receiver Devin Funchess signs with Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have signed former Panthers receiver Devin Funchess, they announced Tuesday. The Lions also stated that Funchess will change positions and play tight end this upcoming season.

A Michigan product, Funchess is set to enter his seventh NFL season in 2022. He has not appeared in game action over the past two years after opting out of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He began last year with the Green Bay Packers, but was released in August before joining the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.

Carolina drafted Funchess in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, and he went on to play four seasons for the franchise. His best season came in 2017, when he finished with 63 catches for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2019, Funchess left the Panthers to sign a one-year contract with the Colts. However, he broke his collarbone in the season opener and was forced to miss the entire season.

TJ Hockenson returns at tight end for the Lions after finishing this past season with 583 yards receiving and four touchdowns. He will likely maintain his role as the starter, but Funchess could have an opportunity to carve out a role as a backup.

Detroit is coming off of a 3-13 season and has not made an appearance in the postseason since 2016. The Lions’ record earned them the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, where they selected another Michigan alumnus in defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. They also had the 12th overall pick, which they used on Alabama receiver Jameson Williams.

With those additions plus Devin Funchess now on board, the Lions will hope for better results in 2022. They are set to kick off the season on Sept. 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to that, they have three preseason contests beginning on Aug. 12.