The Detroit Lions have developed Sam LaPorta into one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends, and now one NFL insider believes they could reap the benefits by shipping him off to a Super Bowl contender in a blockbuster deal.
LaPorta has occupied a major spot in Detroit’s offense starting with his record-breaking rookie season, but Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes the Lions could still trade him if the price is right. And Kay is predicting he would fetch a massive price in return.
Lions Could Fetch Big Price for Sam LaPorta
Kay predicted that the Lions could trade LaPorta to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for first- and third-round picks in 2027. The Lions have already paid up big for some of their other home-grown players, and trading LaPorta would allow them to pass on another massive contract extension.
“Sam LaPorta may have lit the league on fire during a scintillating 86-catch, 889-yard, 10-touchdown rookie season a mere three years ago, but even he isn’t safe from being traded,” Kay wrote. “LaPorta is gearing up for the final year of his rookie deal, one set to pay him a modest $5.8 million in 2026. Despite his immense contributions when healthy, the Lions have yet to reach a long-term extension with the tight end.”
Kay added that there are questions around LaPorta’s health after he missed half of the 2025 season with a back injury, with no clear answer yet on whether he’ll be back for training camp. But the Chiefs are in need of a top tight end with Travis Kelce expected to hit retirement soon, and Kay suggested it could be too good of a deal to pass up for the Lions as well.
“Although the Lions would be taking a hit in 2026 without LaPorta, they could be well-positioned for future stability by dealing the 25-year-old for a package of premium draft picks,” Kay wrote. “If Detroit’s brass isn’t sold on his health, it’s a tough but shrewd move to make.”
The Lions are looking to rebound after just missing the playoffs in 2025, which could make them more hesitant to part ways with a productive player like LaPorta — especially given the team’s lack of depth at tight end behind him.
Sam LaPorta Returned to the Field This Month
LaPorta appears to be on track to return from the back injury that cut short his 2025 season. He was able to take the field at the team’s OTAs, which reporter Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit called a big step forward for the tight end.
“LaPorta and [cornerback Terrion] Arnold both participated in about 30 minutes of walkthroughs to begin practice. When the team then transitioned to individual and positional drills, both players headed for the locker room,” Reisman wrote.
“That’s a huge step for LaPorta, who finished last season on injured reserve with a back injury that required surgery. While it’s not a complete surprise that he’s back—coach Dan Campbell noted he had participated in walkthroughs and jog-throughs earlier this offseason—it’s a great sign that he could be ready to go to start the season.”
Lions Predicted to Trade TE Sam LaPorta to Super Bowl Contender