Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta saw his targets take a sharp decline from 2023 to 2024, dropping from 120 to 83. As a result, his receptions also fell significantly, from 86 catches to 60, as did yards (889 to 726) and touchdowns (10 to seven).
LaPorta’s decline in production can be traced to the rise of wide receiver Jameson Williams, who surpassed stat totals in all major areas from the previous year: 91 targets, 58 receptions, 1,001 yards
and seven touchdowns. The Lions just exercised Williams’ fifth-year option. He’s an ascending player, tied to the team for two more seasons.
Now, LaPorta has to compete for touches with the Lions' new slot receiver, Isaac Teslaa, the Lions’ coveted third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Lions gave up a lot to draft Teslaa. According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, “The Lions shipped their third-rounder in 2025 (pick 102) and both of their 2026 third-rounders for the Arkansas product, a
sixth-round pick in 2025, and a sixth-round pick in 2026.” They must have a plan for him.
TeSlaa is a rookie, and rookie wide receivers have traditionally contributed modestly in their first year. TeSlaa could be different. He is 6-foot-4 inches tall and 214 pounds, known for his blocking and as a slot receiving specialist.
TeSlaa will likely be on the field to open up outside runs for running back Jahmyr Gibbs and be targeted as a red zone threat.
"You see a guy that's big, long, smooth strider, can accelerate, can run," said Lions Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes via DetroitLions.com. "He's a hands catcher. He plays special teams and can block. He can do a lot of things."
Where does that leave LaPorta? If my Detroit Jock City colleague Chris Schad is right, LaPorta could be traded to avoid paying him a contract that would reset the tight end market. There is precedent. Holmes previously traded “T.J. Hockenson in the middle of the 2022 season.”
Last season, the Lions’ leading third wide receiver, Tim Patrick, was targeted 44 times and caught 33 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns. TeSlaa should be on the field more than a typical third wide receiver.
My projection for TeSlaa is 40 receptions for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns. That cuts into LaPorta’s production, but the tight end is too talented to be completely forgotten. My projection for LaPorta is 50 catches for 500 yards and five touchdowns, still decent numbers for a tight end.
This would also make LaPorta an attractive trade asset, perhaps recouping the draft capital traded away to get TeSlaa.
How much is a proven and productive tight end still on his rookie contract worth in today’s NFL? For a team with a big hole at the tight end position, the price to pay could be a second round pick. That could be too enticing for Brad Holmes to pass up after this season.