The Detroit Lions are signing Memphis Showboats tight end Daniel Helm. This move has been made in wake of some of the injuries the team has faced regarding their tight end core. Interestingly enough, Daniel Helm is the first Memphis Showboats player to be signed to the NFL.
#Lions announce roster moves:
Signed TEs Darrell Daniels and Daniel Helm
Placed CB Emmanuel Moseley on Active/PUP
Waived TE Derrick Deese Jr.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 2, 2023
Helm was part of a talented receiving unit in Memphis, which featured two other tight ends – JayJay Wilson, and Cheyenne O’Grady.
Throughout the 2023 USFL season, Helm was consistent. He finished the year with 205 receiving yards on 20 receptions, flashing his excellent hands right out of the gate in week one.
Lions newest addition Daniel Helm TE pic.twitter.com/8y72qlPrMO
— Honolulu Blues (@HonoluluBlues_) August 1, 2023
One of his highlights came in week seven, against the Houston Gamblers. On fourth down HC Todd Haley decided to roll the dice, and it worked to perfection with Helm hauling in the first down completion.
Perfect touch throw from @ColeKelley10 to Daniel Helm for the 4th down conversion 👏
🎥: @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/8sJknAH6Yw
— Memphis Showboats (@USFLShowboats) May 28, 2023
The NFL isn’t new territory for Daniel Helm. He had stints with the San Francisco 49ers, and also the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, he’ll be able to pursue an NFL career with the Detroit Lions. Given the circumstances, he has a golden opportunity to impress.
Detroit has already signed another USFL player, bringing in Michigan Panthers WR Trey Quinn last week.
Had it not been for the platform – and the national exposure – that the USFL provided him with, who knows if this opportunity would have come along.
You can stay up to date on all these USFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Daniel Helm signing with the Detroit Lions? Which USFL player will be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
