The Detroit Lions still have a decision to make about Sam LaPorta. He's coming off a major injury, and with a new offensive coordinator in town and a big contract extension looming, GM Brad Holmes might take a pragmatic approach with him.
Even if they don't trade him -- which, so far, they've shown no indication of doing so -- that won't deter other teams from trying to get him. If anything, the timing is perfect to attempt to make a move for the uber-talented tight end.
Considering that, the Lions should at least listen to what the market might dictate for him. While they should be in no hurry to move him, someone might come knocking with an offer they can't refuse ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.
Sam LaPorta Could Help the Lions Move up in the First Round
In the past couple of weeks, multiple analysts have floated the idea of LaPorta being a valuable trade chip to move up in the first round. FOX's Ralph Vacchiano has him going to Kansas City for No. 9, while NFL.com's Ed Edholm believes he could land in Washington as part of a package that includes the No. 7 pick.
He's coming off back surgery, and those ailments are always tricky. He had 40 catches on 49 targets for 489 yards and three touchdowns last season after drawing 120 and 83 targets in his first two years in the league.
That said, new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing helped Arizona Cardinals Trey McBride flourish as one of the most dominant pass-catching tight ends in the league. Technically, he could replicate that success in Detroit, and LaPorta has the physical tools and ball skills to be as good as McBride if he can stay healthy.
Still, the Lions have to write a big check to sign Jahmyr Gibbs to a market-resetting contract extension. There is also the potential that Brian Branch and Jack Campbell receive extensions, so someone will have to be the odd man out.
LaPorta is only 24 years old and has already turned plenty of heads. As such, a team might be tempted to think that he could make a stronger impact than whoever they take in the top ten of a rather thin draft.
The Lions could use someone at left tackle -- or right if they still want to move Penei Sewell to the other side of the line -- and moving into the top ten would all but guarantee them a chance to do so. Then, they can focus on their defense or take the best player available at No. 17.
They shouldn't force this, but if someone comes with the right offer, that's a different conversation.