The Detroit Lions and Sam LaPorta clearly aren't seeing eye to eye right now. The star tight end and the team couldn't get a deal done before the start of the season, and they've officially hit pause on negotiations.
To add insult to injury, LaPorta opened up about his frustration with this situation, adding that he wouldn't mind playing for another team if the Lions don't want to get him paid. Fair enough, but maybe Week 6 wasn't the best time to make that statement.
Notably, that's why it was somewhat disappointing to watch him in the win over the Green Bay Packers. He was mostly a decoy, and whether that was by design or not, if you're gonna talk the talk, you also have to walk the walk.
The Lions need the best version of Sam LaPorta
LaPorta only drew two targets in the win, hauling in one reception for 18 yards. Again, maybe this was by design, with the coaching staff letting him know that they can win without him by turning to other weapons.
Regardless of who was to blame for this rare dud, the Lions can't afford for this to become the norm. They need Sam LaPorta, and they know it. He makes their offense so much better and more dangerous, and opens things up for everyone else on the team.
LaPorta probably should've handled things better, though his comments also show how disrespected he's felt by the front office, and that's not the first time something like this has happened to this team.
But precisely because of that, it's time to make amends. The Lions will have to get him the ball, even if that means watching him put up big numbers and drive up his asking price. He will also have to be at his best, as putting up a lackluster effort won't hurt anyone but himself.
The Lions might feel like they have all the leverage in this situation, given that they can just use the franchise tag to keep him in town for at least another year. That said, we've seen how those standoffs usually end.
There's no need to complicate things, and if the Lions don't intend to keep him for the long run, they might as well at least explore the trade market. Expiring deal or not, he might give this team strong value as one of the rising stars at a premium position.
Add us as a preferred source on Google