The Detroit Lions are coming off a tough 2025 season with a 9-8 record, but that’s only made them more determined than ever to have a comeback season in 2026. Part of getting the Lions back into shape for the upcoming run is retaining key players while adding solid rookies, free agents and players in trades.
One of the Lions’ fan favorites is tight end Sam LaPorta. How many NFL players were actually blessed by the pope, right? But, LaPorta’s rookie contract with the team only runs through the 2026 season, and because he’s made the Pro Bowl and had such a strong performance with the Lions, he’s going to be expensive to re-sign.
So, what if the Lions trade LaPorta? One NFL analyst thinks it could happen.
Lions tight end could replace Travis Kelce in Kansas City
In a feature from Alex Kay of Bleacher Report, he names five hypothetical NFL trades that would compare to the Myles Garrett blockbuster move. Here, he has the Lions sending LaPorta to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for 2027 first- and third-round draft picks.
“Although the Lions would be taking a hit in 2026 without LaPorta, they could be well-positioned for future stability by dealing the 25-year-old for a package of premium draft picks,” he states in the piece. “If Detroit’s brass isn’t sold on his health, it’s a tough but shrewd move to make.”
He adds that the Chiefs make sense as a trade partner because 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.”
Frankly, a first-round draft pick for LaPorta seems high. He’s worth it if he can stay healthy, but those trades don’t come along often. Either way, it would be a blow to the Lions to lose him but also benefit the Chiefs as they seek to replace Kelce.