Isaac TeSlaa Is Ready to Cash In on Year Two
Isaac TeSlaa’s rookie campaign was exactly what you’d expect from a player drafted into an offense this loaded. Mixed bag? Sure. But the right kind of mixed bag.
After the Lions traded up to grab him in the 2025 NFL Draft, expectations were cautiously optimistic. The offense was stacked, which meant limited early opportunities. But it also meant TeSlaa wouldn’t get thrown to the wolves before he was ready. Smart development, not desperation.
His preseason work caught everyone’s attention early. When the Lions shipped Tim Patrick to Jacksonville in late August, that was the team putting its money where its mouth was. TeSlaa had earned that confidence.
The numbers tell the story of a rookie finding his footing. Through the first 12 weeks, TeSlaa managed just four catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns. From Week 13 through 18? Twelve receptions for 174 yards and four touchdowns. Not earth-shattering volume, but the progression was clear.
TeSlaa finished with 16 catches for 239 yards and six touchdown grabs. Six touchdowns on 16 catches. That’s not a fluke, that’s a red zone weapon.
The Reality of This Offense
Here’s the thing about projecting TeSlaa’s 2026 season. This offense runs through Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and that’s not changing. In 2024, St. Brown and Williams combined for 2,264 of the Lions’ 4,718 receiving yards (48 percent). In 2025, they combined for 2,518 of the Lions’ 4,567 receiving yards (55 percent). They’re going to eat first.
Assuming the Lions throw for around 4,600 yards in 2026, that leaves roughly 2,300 yards for everyone else. Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta are going to claim their share. That gives TeSlaa about 1,000 yards to work with among the remaining options.
As the third receiver, TeSlaa should absorb most of what Kalif Raymond produced in 2025. Raymond managed 289 yards on 30 targets. Add that to TeSlaa’s rookie production, and you’re looking at a 500-yard campaign. Greg Dortch was brought in this offseason, but his role figures to be smaller, opening more snaps for TeSlaa.
Why 30 Catches for 500 Yards Makes Sense
TeSlaa’s late-season surge in 2025 wasn’t just encouraging, it was revealing. Jared Goff and the coaching staff clearly grew more comfortable leaning on him as the season progressed. That’s exactly how you want a rookie receiver’s development to unfold.
He’s already proven himself as a red zone threat. Six touchdowns on limited targets doesn’t happen by accident. Add in his blocking, athleticism, and reliable hands, and there’s plenty of room for growth across the field.
Will he crack 1,000 yards? No. This offense has too many weapons for that kind of volume to go to the third option. But 30 catches for 500 yards? That’s not just realistic, that’s conservative for a player who showed clear improvement over the course of his rookie year.
The Lions might have the best receiver trio in the NFL when TeSlaa takes his next step in 2026. In Allen Park, that’s not hyperbole. That’s just what happens when the front office gets its hands on talent and Dan Campbell gets his hands on development.
Are you buying TeSlaa as a legitimate third option or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment again? Drop your prediction below.
