The Detroit Lions have built one of the best offenses in the NFL in recent seasons and a big reason is the emergence of tight end Sam LaPorta. The Iowa standout was selected by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft just a few months after they traded T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta responded with an immediate impact, catching 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.
But his sophomore season didn’t have the same feeling as he took a backseat to the Lions’ running game led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. He also fell behind wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in the passing game.
If that doesn’t spark LaPorta heading into his third season, maybe he needs some outside inspiration. And an NFL executive may have just provided that with his comments as the Lions prepare for next year.
Sam LaPorta Enters Big Third Season With the Lions
The Athletic’s Mike Sando talked to several anonymous executives to find out what they thought about each team’s process during the NFL Draft. While executives were high on Detroit’s decision to build in the trenches with first-round pick Tyleik Williams and second-round pick Tate Ratledge, they also cast doubt on LaPorta when discussing Chicago Bears’ first-round pick Colston Loveland.
“Loveland is going to catch a million balls,” The anonymous executive said. “He will be better than [Sam LaPorta.] He is such a good receiver, and he’s bigger – two inches taller and another 10 pounds.”
The comments are another slight toward LaPorta heading into his third season. Although he had a major impact in his rookie year, his numbers dropped to 60 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Most tight ends would take those numbers in a league that focuses on getting the ball to speedy playmakers. But it’s also crazy to compare LaPorta to a player that hasn’t played a down in the NFL.
It also is concerning as LaPorta will seek a new contract soon. The 24-year-old has two years remaining on his rookie deal, but could be due for an extension if he produces next season. With Aidan Hutchinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams due for new contracts in the new year, the Lions may be hesitant to commit to LaPorta long term and could trade him in the same way they did Hockenson. But LaPorta could force his way into Detroit’s plans and give them few options outside of paying up.
It’s a situation where LaPorta needs to take control and that doubt could fuel a big season in 2025.