As the Detroit Lions gear up for their 2025-26 NFL season, rumors are swirling about a possible trade involving one of the team’s fan favorites. Although the offseason tends to be quiet, recent activity elsewhere in the league has the Lions’ front office weighing their options.
The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers shook things up with a blockbuster trade, sending cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. While Ramsey and Fitzpatrick are the marquee names, the departure of Jonnu Smith leaves Miami without a proven tight end, opening the door for Detroit.
Detroit Jock City’s Kevin Kane suggests that Lions GM Brad Holmes could capitalize on this by trading Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta to Miami. The timing could work in Detroit’s favor, allowing them to get strong draft capital—potentially a second-round pick—and maybe even snag a tight end from Miami’s roster in return.
LaPorta’s production dipped in 2024, with fewer catches, yards, and touchdowns, and with the emergence of wide receivers like Jameson Williams and rookie Isaac TeSlaa, the tight end may be less central to Detroit’s offense going forward. Trading LaPorta now could also avoid a costly contract extension down the line.
That said, LaPorta has been a beloved part of the Lions’ culture since 2023, making this a tough decision that balances chemistry against potential team-building gains.
With training camp still weeks away, Detroit’s front office will have to weigh the risks and rewards carefully as they plan their roster for the upcoming season.
Detroit Lions Urged to Trade Fan-Favorite Tight End Amid NFL Shakeup
