The Detroit Lions have built one of the NFL’s most exciting offenses — and tight end Sam LaPorta was a huge part of that rise after arriving as a rookie in 2023. Coming off a breakout debut season where he racked up 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, expectations were sky-high. But last year, LaPorta saw his role shrink a bit, with the offense leaning more on the running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, plus the rise of receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Now, heading into his third season, some are wondering if LaPorta can bounce back. According to The Athletic’s Mike Sando, an anonymous NFL executive even threw some shade, suggesting that Bears rookie Colston Loveland “will be better” than LaPorta, praising Loveland’s size and receiving skills.
That’s a bold statement considering Loveland hasn’t played a single NFL snap yet. Still, LaPorta’s production last season — 60 catches, 726 yards, 7 touchdowns — was solid by any standard. But as contract talks loom (LaPorta has two years left on his rookie deal), the Lions may face tough decisions, especially with stars like Hutchinson, Gibbs, and Williams also approaching payday.
For now, the message is clear: LaPorta has the chance to silence the doubters and force his way into Detroit’s long-term plans with a big 2025 season.
Anonymous NFL Exec Doubts Lions’ Sam LaPorta: Will He Bounce Back in 2025?
