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Isaac TeSlaa Poised for Bigger Role After Noticeable Offseason Gains

Coaches say his added strength and quickness create a clear path for TeSlaa to provide steadier receiving and red-zone help for the Lions in 2026.

Overview

  • Coaches, including wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery and head coach Dan Campbell, said Wednesday that TeSlaa is noticeably stronger and more athletic than he was as a rookie.
  • TeSlaa caught 16 passes for 239 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, showing rare scoring efficiency that the Lions hope he can turn into more consistent weekly production.
  • TeSlaa credited offseason work with a personal trainer for restoring his quickness and strength, and coaches said cleaner route breaks and improved release speed have shown up in team drills.
  • With Kalif Raymond signing elsewhere, TeSlaa is the favorite to step into Detroit’s full-time WR3 role behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams and to see increased targets in the red zone.
  • Detroit traded up in the 2025 draft to take TeSlaa and raised questions then; his late-season growth as a blocker and contested-catch threat means Year 2 performance will shape how that draft move is judged.