The San Francisco 49ers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the NFC Championship Game this January against the Detroit Lions. The Lions returned the favor by responding to a 49ers’ bid for restricted free agent Brock Wright.
The two NFC heavyweights sparred over the tight end in free agency. The 49ers and Wright agreed to a three-year deal worth $12 million on an offer sheet. However, since Wright was a restricted free agent, the Lions had a chance to match the 49ers’ offer.
According to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, the Lions matched the 49ers’ offer by Wednesday’s deadline. One of the league’s best blocking tight ends will stay in Detroit.
The 49ers could have had an impressive duo with George Kittle and Wright. Kittle is an exceptional receiver, and Wright would have added complementary help to the team’s vaunted rushing attack.