Despite extending veteran Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs are predicted to trade for Lions tight end Sam LaPorta during the first round of this year’s draft. Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports believes LaPorta is a fit for the Chiefs after bringing back Kelce on a one-year deal. With Kelce likely retiring in 2027, the Chiefs trading for a big-bodied tight end like LaPorta makes sense. The former Pro Bowler has established himself as one of the most dominant pass-catchers in the league, hauling in 86 receptions, 889 yards, and leading 10 touchdowns as a tight end in 2023.
Unfortunately, injuries have become a concern for the tight end. LaPorta is still young, but his injuries might’ve caused some panic for the Lions. LaPorta is entering the final year of his contract, and while the Lions would want to sign him to a new deal, it’s probably unlikely. Detroit might send him elsewhere, given that he’s coming off back surgery.
Not only that, but the Lions have plenty of younger players to worry about extending. The team probably won’t prioritize LaPorta since he hasn’t stayed healthy, especially after hyperextending his knee in 2023. This would be a cross-cutting move for the Lions, even though under the Jared Goff era, the team is trying to win a championship.
Chiefs, Lions Could Agree On Massive Sam LaPorta Trade During 2026 NFL Draft
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the arm to turn LaPorta into the next dominant, superstar tight end. He won’t be a Rob Gronkowski or Kelce, but his own potential can go far in Kansas City. Kansas City head coach Andy Reid loves investing in good players when it comes to finding a capable replacement, especially since Kelce won’t be there forever, and it would be hard to see this team move on.
However, like the Chiefs, here are three other teams that could make a few calls for LaPorta since he’s under a rookie deal.
Other Possible Suitors
Baltimore Ravens
After losing Isaiah Likely in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens could make a surprise move on night one of the NFL Draft. The team decided to retain Mark Andrews during John Harbaugh’s tenure, but with Jesse Minter stepping in, that could change before the 2026 season. They won’t trade Andrews, but they could bring in LaPorta as potential competition at the position.
LaPorta is on the younger side, and despite his injuries, the Ravens would probably prefer him over Andrews due to his older age.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are in dire need of a high-impact tight end to bolster this offense to help Bo Nix. Unfortunately, the team has lost its first-round pick this draft after trading for WR Jaylen Waddle. Still, the Broncos could get creative here. Current starter Evan Engram is coming off an underwhelming 2025 campaign, which didn’t do much to elevate this offense. Nix needs a game-changer, and if the Broncos can get LaPorta, you’d have him and Waddle as the next keystone pass-catchers to help Courtland Sutton.
This could be their Super Bowl move, as they’ve reached the AFC Championship Game before after defeating Josh Allen in January.
Miami Dolphins
Despite releasing Tyreek Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle, the Miami Dolphins could make a ton of moves to help Malik Willis. New head coach Jeff Hafley might get aggressive at this moment to get the help that Willis needs. LaPorta could be the first move that the team makes to start the next generation of players to establish themselves in this offense.