Detroit Lions Officially Sign Third-Round Pick Isaac TeSlaa, Now Have Five of Their Seven 2025 NFL Draft Picks Under Contract

The Detroit Lions continued making progress on locking up their 2025 NFL Draft class, officially signing third-round wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa to his rookie contract. With TeSlaa now under contract, the Lions have inked five of their seven draft selections as the team begins its preparations for training camp and what it hopes will be a deeper postseason run in 2025.

TeSlaa, a big-bodied target out of Arkansas, brings intriguing potential to a Lions offense already rich with young talent. Listed at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 215 pounds, he presents an imposing figure on the outside and gives quarterback Jared Goff another reliable option in the passing game. His blend of size, toughness, and strong hands stood out throughout the pre-draft process, and the Lions clearly valued his upside, selecting him with the 86th overall pick.

His path to the NFL has been far from conventional. TeSlaa began his college football journey at Division II Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he dominated as an under-the-radar prospect. His breakout season in 2021 put him on the radar, but it was his 2022 campaign that really turned heads—hauling in 68 passes for 1,325 yards and 13 touchdowns. He then transferred to Arkansas for his final collegiate season, where he adjusted to the higher level of competition in the SEC and proved he could hang with some of the nation’s top defenders.

While his numbers at Arkansas were more modest—43 catches for 560 yards and four touchdowns—he showcased dependable route running, physicality in contested-catch situations, and a nose for the first-down marker. Those traits made him a priority target for Detroit in the middle rounds of the draft, and his performance at the Senior Bowl reinforced that belief. The Lions are hopeful that with the right coaching and opportunity, TeSlaa can quickly grow into a contributor in Ben Johnson’s offense.

His four-year rookie deal is expected to align with the slot value for third-round picks, providing both the player and the franchise with stability. Though the team did not disclose the specific financial terms of the contract, projections indicate a total value of roughly $5.7 million with a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $950,000. These figures reflect the NFL’s standardized rookie wage scale, which helps avoid drawn-out negotiations that once plagued rookie signings.

For the Lions, TeSlaa’s signing means only two of their seven 2025 draftees remain unsigned—first-round cornerback Terrion Arnold out of Alabama and second-round defensive tackle Braden Fiske from Florida State. Arnold is expected to be a cornerstone of the secondary from day one, while Fiske projects as a potential impact player along the interior defensive line. While deals for top picks can take a bit longer due to structure and guaranteed money negotiations, Detroit remains confident those contracts will be finalized before training camp opens.

The Lions’ front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, has prioritized efficiency and clarity in contract talks over the past few offseasons. Holmes and his staff have earned praise for their draft strategy and talent development, and they appear to be following a similar playbook this year—aggressively targeting players with both high character and physical traits that match Detroit’s tough, gritty identity under head coach Dan Campbell.

TeSlaa seems like a natural fit in that mold. He’s been described as a “worker” by coaches and teammates at both Hillsdale and Arkansas, someone who takes pride in mastering the details and never shirks from contact. His special teams experience also adds to his early roster value—something the Lions coaching staff places high emphasis on for depth receivers vying to make the 53-man roster.

There will be strong competition in Detroit’s receiving room, with Amon-Ra St. Brown returning as the unquestioned No. 1 target after signing a massive extension this offseason. Former first-rounder Jameson Williams is expected to take a leap in year three, while veterans like Kalif Raymond and Josh Reynolds continue to bring experience and depth. But TeSlaa’s size sets him apart in a group otherwise built on speed and quickness, and that physical profile could carve out an early niche, especially in red-zone situations.

The signing also marks an important checkpoint in the Lions’ offseason, as they seek to build on back-to-back playoff appearances and their NFC Championship Game run in January. Expectations are higher than ever, and fans have responded with record interest in season tickets, merchandise, and engagement across the board. The TeSlaa signing may not command the national headlines, but internally, it’s another example of Detroit’s steady commitment to building a well-rounded, deep roster.

That depth will be critical if the team is to reach its lofty goals. Injuries and attrition are unavoidable over a 17-game regular season, and last season proved the value of having reliable contributors waiting in the wings. If TeSlaa can grow into his role, he could be one of those key depth pieces who quietly plays a pivotal part in the team’s success.

It’s also worth noting that TeSlaa’s Michigan roots—albeit from his college days—have already endeared him to some local fans. While he isn’t a native of the state, his time at Hillsdale gave him a connection to the area and a taste of the passion that defines Lions fandom. In interviews, TeSlaa has spoken highly of the opportunity to return to Michigan and represent a franchise on the rise.

His contract signing brings a sense of finality to his long, winding journey from Division II standout to SEC battler to NFL professional. It’s a testament to persistence, performance, and belief—both his own and that of the front office that saw something special in him.

As for the rest of the Lions’ rookie class, there’s optimism that finalizing all contracts will be a formality rather than a hurdle. With OTAs underway and minicamp just around the corner, the coaching staff is eager to see the full complement of rookies participate without distraction. And with TeSlaa now officially in the fold, Detroit takes another step toward being a complete, cohesive unit entering a season full of promise.

Five draft picks down. Two to go. And for Isaac TeSlaa, the real work is just beginning.