Former Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler has found comfort in his new home with the Detroit Lions.
Scheffler, who spent his first four seasons with the Broncos before he was traded just before the 2010 NFL Draft in a three-team deal that landed the Broncos a fifth-round draft pick from Philadelphia, has a signed a three-year contract extension with the Lions, his hometown team.
Scheffler, 27, grew up in Chelsea, Michigan, an hour’s drive from Detroit. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Scheffler is tied for fifth among NFL tight ends with 24 catches - impressive considering he is the Lions’ "second" tight end to Brandon Pettigrew, who has 26 receptions.
The new deal includes a $2 million signing bonus which will help compensate Scheffler for the team-favorable $1.176 million salary he received as a tendered restricted free agent.
Scheffler is a fantasy reserve at the moment, but the Lions are on the rise and if something happens to Pettigrew, his stock would likely climb to the point where he could start some games for fantasy teams. If you happen to have Scheffler in a keeper league, this is good news for his long-term value.