Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta experienced a significant drop in targets from 2023 to 2024, decreasing from 120 to 83. Consequently, his receptions dropped considerably, from 86 catches to 60, along with yards (889 to 726) and touchdowns (10 to seven).
LaPorta’s drop in performance can be attributed to the emergence of wide receiver Jameson Williams, who outperformed LaPorta’s statistics in every significant category from the prior year: 91 targets, 58 receptions, 1,001 yards. and seven scoring passes. The Lions have just activated Williams’ fifth-year option. He’s an emerging player, contracted with the team for two additional seasons.
Currently, LaPorta must vie for opportunities with the Lions’ new slot receiver, Isaac Teslaa, who was the Lions’ prized third-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Lions sacrificed a great deal to select Teslaa. As reported by Kevin Patra of NFL.com, “The Lions traded their third-round selection in 2025 (pick 102) along with both of their third-round picks in 2026 for the Arkansas player, a “a sixth-round selection in 2025 and a sixth-round selection in 2026.” They must have a strategy for him.
TeSlaa is a newcomer, and first-year wide receivers have historically made minimal contributions in their debut season. TeSlaa might be distinct. He stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 214 pounds, recognized for his blocking skills and proficiency as a slot receiver.
TeSlaa is expected to be on the field to create external running opportunities for running back Jahmyr Gibbs and be aimed at as a red zone threat. “You observe a guy who is large, has a long stride, moves smoothly, can speed up, and can run,” stated Lions Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes through DetroitLions.com. “He’s a grasping receiver.” He participates in special teams and is capable of blocking. He is capable of many tasks.
What implications does that have for LaPorta? If my colleague Chris Schad from Detroit Jock City is accurate, LaPorta might be traded to prevent a contract that would reset the tight end market from being paid to him. There is a history of similar cases. Holmes previously dealt “T.J. Hockenson during the midway point of the 2022 season.”
In the previous season, the Lions’ primary third wide receiver, Tim Patrick, received 44 targets and secured 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns. TeSlaa ought to be on the field more often than an average third wide receiver.
I forecast that TeSlaa will have 40 catches for 600 yards and score 10 touchdowns. That reduces LaPorta’s output, yet the tight end is too skilled to be entirely overlooked. I anticipate LaPorta will have 50 receptions for 500 yards and five touchdowns, which are still solid statistics for a tight end. This would also position LaPorta as a valuable trade asset, potentially recovering the draft capital lost in acquiring TeSlaa.
What is the value of a tested and effective tight end currently playing under his rookie contract in today’s NFL? For a team with a significant gap at the tight end position, the cost might be a second-round selection. That might be too tempting for Brad Holmes to overlook after this season.
