The Detroit Lions and Sam LaPorta didn't see eye to eye this offseason. His camp couldn't get a new deal while he was working his way back from a back injury, or at least not the type of deal a player of his caliber deserved.
Now, he's put the team on notice by letting them know that he'll gladly take his talents elsewhere if they don't do right by him. The Lions can always use the franchise tag to keep him around, but it sounds like he's willing to go the extra mile to get a long-term contract next offseason.
Considering that, and given that the Lions may not want to budge — or may prioritize Brian Branch's extension — LaPorta's days in Detroit might be numbered. There will be no shortage of suitors for his services, and these three teams could be the most aggressive in their pursuit.
3 teams that could sign Sam LaPorta away from Detroit
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers' offense has gotten progressively better under Dave Canales, but they don't have much of a go-to guy outside of Tetairoa McMillan. The tight end position is probably their weakest spot, and they'll have more than enough cap space to outbid most competition.
LaPorta may not want to play for them, though, given that he'll likely receive offers from teams with higher Super Bowl chances. Money-wise and need-wise, though, it's hard to think of a better landing spot for him.
Cleveland Browns
Yes, you read that right. The Cleveland Browns have officially become a premium destination for top free agents. It'll all depend on their quarterback situation, of course, but they will have the financial resources and aggressive approach to go big-name hunting.
The Browns used two picks on tight ends, but Joe Royer remains out with an undisclosed personal matter. They have a budding star in Harold Fannin Jr., but with no other clear-cut starter at the position, they might want to give Todd Monken another playmaker to create a two-headed monster.
Kansas City Chiefs
This one would be the type of move that would make fans bring back conspiracy theories about the NFL being scripted, but it just makes too much sense. Travis Kelce is likely retiring after the season, so why not get him the best possible replacement?
The Chiefs have a long history of elite pass-catching tight ends, and while filling Kelce's shoes would be a massive challenge for anyone, that's also what we all used to say about Tony Gonzalez. Also, he wouldn't mind teaming up with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid because who would?
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