A key weapon for Jared Goff could be on the move as the Detroit Lions face tough financial decisions. What seemed like a stable offense may lose a player who's been with the franchise since being drafted in 2023.

While addressing the Detroit Lions’ plans for the week, Christian Booher of Sports Illustrated has mentioned that the Lions are not particularly planning on trading another veteran player after David Montgomery. However, he named tight end Sam LaPorta as an exception. 

“If the team had any intentions of trading any of their starters, I think one possible option could be tight end Sam LaPorta,” Booher wrote. "One of the NFL’s best young tight ends when healthy...LaPorta (is) entering the final year of his rookie deal and the team may not be able to afford a hefty contract extension.”

The Lions are planning on building their roster through the 2026 NFL Draft, and trading Sam LaPorta could give them the additional cap space that they are looking for.

LaPorta was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Iowa as a second-round, 34th overall pick. In 2026, his rookie contract will expire, and he’ll be looking for an extension. 

Another reason why LaPorta could make sense is that, compared to other players, he would offer a tangible return given his promise and age.

“I don’t think the Lions at this point have many players who would get a good return that they feel they need to move on from…,” Booher further wrote. “...But I simply don’t think the team could thrive if they were to move on from any of them.”

Based on the financial crisis that the Lions are struggling with, they won’t be looking forward to making any big financial decisions that may further shrink their cap space. 

The 25-year-old Sam LaPorta holds a Pro Football Focus grade of 82. He played in 9 games last season, scoring 3 touchdowns.

Another reason for pointing to LaPorta is his season-ending injury. During the match with the Washington Commanders on November 9, 2025, he suffered from a fully herniated disc in his back.

“He’s also coming off a season-ending injury a year ago, and there could be concerns about his health in this scenario,” Booher wrote. “Again, I would put those odds extremely low, but if there’s a player the Lions could fetch an adequate return for that they could part with, a player like LaPorta could fit that bill.”

In 2024, Sam also dealt with a low ankle sprain sustained while blocking. So instead of investing big money in him, the Lions could simply get draft capital while saving on cap space.

Trading Sam LaPorta is Far From Simple for the Detroit Lions

Letting Sam LaPorta go is not an easy choice for the Lions to make. He is one of the most successful tight ends that the Lions have ever had.

But the catch here is that he remains healthy throughout the season. LaPorta managed to make 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns despite playing in just nine games before his injury in 2025.

Outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs, the only players to surpass his 489 receiving yards played all 17 games, while LaPorta got there in just nine.

He even outproduced teammates Kalif Raymond and Isaac TeSlaa, highlighting the risk of moving on from him.

What do you think the Lions should make the call? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote