As the Detroit Lions map out their offseason priorities, one underlying concern continues to linger beneath the surface: protecting Sam LaPorta’s long-term health while keeping the offense functional early next season.
LaPorta played through significant wear and tear late in the year before his season was ultimately cut short, and while optimism remains high about his recovery, the Lions would be wise not to rush him back into a full workload. That reality has sparked an intriguing idea circulating among Lions observers — a reunion with a familiar offensive piece that could buy LaPorta valuable recovery time without sacrificing production.
The logic is simple. LaPorta isn’t just a tight end in Detroit’s system — he’s a focal point. Asking him to immediately shoulder a heavy snap count again could invite setbacks. A short-term reunion with a trusted veteran, someone who understands the offense and the culture, would allow the Lions to ease LaPorta back into action instead of forcing him to carry the load from Week 1.
This isn’t about replacing LaPorta or dialing back expectations. It’s about protecting one of the franchise’s most important offensive weapons. Detroit has already seen how fragile offensive continuity can be when injuries pile up, and depth at tight end has quietly become a bigger issue than many fans realize.
A reunion would also give the coaching staff flexibility. Two-tight-end looks could remain intact, red-zone efficiency wouldn’t suffer, and LaPorta could be deployed strategically rather than out of necessity. That kind of balance matters over a long season, especially for a player who plays as physically and relentlessly as LaPorta does.
There’s also a cultural component. Detroit’s locker room values familiarity, trust, and accountability. Bringing back someone who already understands expectations minimizes transition time and keeps the offense aligned during a critical stretch of retooling.
Ultimately, this proposal isn’t flashy. It won’t dominate headlines or reshape the roster. But it’s the kind of smart, preventative move that championship teams make — thinking beyond Week 1 and prioritizing durability over urgency.
If the Lions truly believe Sam LaPorta is a cornerstone of their future, giving him time — real time — to fully recover may be one of the most important offseason decisions they make. And a reunion could be the quiet solution that makes it possible.
Smart Reunion? Lions Proposal Would Take Pressure Off Sam LaPorta
