The Detroit Lions have built their roster around a simple philosophy.
Draft great players. Develop them. Keep them.
That’s why a recent hypothetical trade proposal involving Sam LaPorta is generating plenty of discussion.
Following the NFL-shaking Myles Garrett trade to the Los Angeles Rams, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay put together a list of blockbuster trade ideas that could create a similar level of buzz around the league. One proposal involved the Lions sending star tight end Sam LaPorta to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The suggested deal would look like this:
Detroit Lions receive:
2027 first-round pick
2027 third-round pick
Kansas City Chiefs receive:
Sam LaPorta
While the proposal may seem outrageous at first glance, the compensation involved could force even Brad Holmes to think long and hard.
Sam LaPorta contract extension Sam LaPorta trade
Why Sam LaPorta Was Mentioned as a Trade Candidate
LaPorta has been one of the most productive tight ends in football since entering the league.
After exploding onto the scene with 86 receptions, 889 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, he quickly became one of Jared Goff’s favorite targets and a centerpiece of Detroit’s offense.
However, Kay pointed to a few factors that could theoretically make LaPorta available.
“Sam LaPorta may have lit the league on fire during a scintillating 86-catch, 889-yard, 10-touchdown rookie season a mere three years ago, but even he isn’t safe from being traded.”
The Bleacher Report writer also noted that LaPorta is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
“LaPorta is gearing up for the final year of his rookie deal, one set to pay him a modest $5.8 million in 2026. Despite his immense contributions when healthy, the Lions have yet to reach a long-term extension with the tight end.”
Why This Trade Makes Little Sense for Detroit
The proposed return is substantial.
A first-round pick and a third-round pick for a tight end would represent significant value.
The problem is that LaPorta is not just another tight end.
He’s one of the foundational pieces of Detroit’s offense.
The Lions learned exactly how valuable he is when injuries limited his availability during portions of the 2025 season. Detroit’s passing attack simply wasn’t the same without him on the field.
LaPorta’s ability to stretch the middle of the field, create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, and serve as a security blanket for Jared Goff makes him incredibly difficult to replace.
The Lions aren’t trying to accumulate draft picks.
They’re trying to win a Super Bowl.
Trading one of the NFL’s best young tight ends would move them further away from that goal.
The Chiefs Are an Easy Fit
From Kansas City’s perspective, the idea is easy to understand.
Future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce is nearing the end of an extraordinary career, and LaPorta would provide a seamless transition.
Kay explained why the Chiefs would likely be interested.
“The Kansas City Chiefs make sense as a trade partner for the Lions. LaPorta would immediately slot in as Travis Kelce’s much-needed heir, working alongside the aging tight end in 2026 and taking over as one of the primary receiving threats in Kansas City’s dynamic offense once the future Hall of Famer hangs up his cleats.”
There’s no doubt Patrick Mahomes would love having LaPorta in his offense.
The question is whether Detroit would ever consider making him available.
What Would Brad Holmes Actually Do?
That’s where this hypothetical starts to fall apart.
Holmes has repeatedly emphasized building around Detroit’s young core.
The Lions have already rewarded players such as Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, and Jack Campbell with major investments. Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, and LaPorta are widely expected to be next in line.
In fact, Holmes has publicly stated his desire to keep the core of the 2023 draft class together for years to come.
That’s why this proposal feels more like offseason debate material than a realistic possibility.
The compensation is enticing.
The timing is not.
If the Lions are serious about competing for a championship in 2026, trading LaPorta would create a massive hole in one of the NFL’s most dangerous offenses.
And that’s a move Brad Holmes would likely struggle to justify.