The Detroit Lions will be banking on tight end Sam LaPorta to post a bounce-back season in 2026. Back surgery limited LaPorta to just nine games last year, but the Iowa product is fully healthy at training camp and is ready to return as a difference-maker in the passing attack for quarterback Jared Goff.
Before missing the final eight games of the 2025 season, LaPorta was on pace for a career high in yards. The former second-round pick tallied 489 yards on 40 receptions with three touchdowns in the contests he played in.
Though the November surgery held back LaPorta last year, it's clear that the Lions tight end is still held in high regard based on the latest ranking of the top tight ends in the league.
Sam LaPorta Dubbed a Top-5 Tight End by PFF and ESPN Entering Contract Year
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Pro Football Focus released its annual list of the top 32 tight ends in the NFL, and you don't have to scroll far to find LaPorta. The 25-year-old came in at No. 4, only behind George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals, and Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The No. 4 spot seems to be a common theme for LaPorta this offseason, as NFL executives, coaches, and scouts also ranked him as the fourth-best tight end in an ESPN survey earlier this month.
Though LaPorta is coming off an injury, he is still widely regarded as one of the most talented players at his position. When healthy, the 6-foot-3 tight end is a dynamic receiving threat who is nearly unstoppable in the red zone. According to PFF, 17 of LaPorta's 20 career touchdowns have come from inside the 20-yard line.
Despite consistently being near the top in tight end rankings, LaPorta will play with a chip on his shoulder this season. The young star pass-catcher is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, and though the Lions could extend him before the regular season kicks off in September, there hasn't been much movement on a new contract.
With Detroit's No. 1 priority likely being getting a new deal done with running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the franchise could opt to wait to give LaPorta an extension. If that's the case, LaPorta has some extra motivation to post a career season this year and put himself in a position to reset the tight end market next offseason.
