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Could the Detroit Lions actually consider trading one of the NFL’s best young tight ends?
It’s a question most Lions fans probably haven’t even entertained, but ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak recently proposed a scenario that would send Detroit standout Sam LaPorta to the Carolina Panthers.
While Solak made it clear he isn’t predicting a trade will happen, he believes LaPorta is the most logical trade candidate if the Lions eventually need to make difficult financial decisions.
Detroit has assembled one of the NFL’s youngest and most talented cores, but success comes with a price.
Over the next few seasons, the Lions are expected to hand out lucrative contract extensions to players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, and Sam LaPorta. Combined with the long-term deals already given to Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, and Kerby Joseph, Detroit could eventually face difficult salary cap decisions.
According to Solak, that reality makes LaPorta the most expendable member of the Lions’ 2023 draft class.
Solak pointed to LaPorta’s evolving role within the Lions offense as part of his reasoning.
After posting a sensational rookie campaign, LaPorta has seen his share of the passing game decrease as Jameson Williams has developed into one of Detroit’s premier playmakers.
With St. Brown, Williams, and Gibbs all commanding significant touches, Solak questioned whether the Lions would ultimately want to commit top-of-the-market money to what he views as the offense’s fourth option.
If Detroit were to explore a trade, Solak believes the Carolina Panthers would be an ideal landing spot.
He noted that head coach Dave Canales’ offensive system creates opportunities for tight ends to generate yards after the catch, a strength of LaPorta’s game. Solak also believes Carolina’s current group of wide receivers would allow LaPorta to thrive without being asked to take on a major blocking role.
That’s where the conversation becomes much more difficult.
The Lions have given no indication they are interested in moving LaPorta, who has quickly become one of Jared Goff’s favorite targets and remains one of the league’s rising stars at tight end.
Brad Holmes has consistently emphasized building around homegrown talent, and LaPorta certainly fits that philosophy.
Still, Solak’s proposal highlights the financial challenges that successful teams eventually face. As Detroit’s young stars become eligible for second contracts, Holmes will have difficult decisions to make.
For now, though, the idea of LaPorta wearing anything other than Honolulu Blue feels far more like an interesting offseason debate than a realistic possibility.
Continue reading...
It’s a question most Lions fans probably haven’t even entertained, but ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak recently proposed a scenario that would send Detroit standout Sam LaPorta to the Carolina Panthers.
While Solak made it clear he isn’t predicting a trade will happen, he believes LaPorta is the most logical trade candidate if the Lions eventually need to make difficult financial decisions.
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Why Solak Thinks LaPorta Could Be Moved
Detroit has assembled one of the NFL’s youngest and most talented cores, but success comes with a price.
Over the next few seasons, the Lions are expected to hand out lucrative contract extensions to players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, and Sam LaPorta. Combined with the long-term deals already given to Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, and Kerby Joseph, Detroit could eventually face difficult salary cap decisions.
According to Solak, that reality makes LaPorta the most expendable member of the Lions’ 2023 draft class.
A Changing Role in Detroit’s Offense
Solak pointed to LaPorta’s evolving role within the Lions offense as part of his reasoning.
After posting a sensational rookie campaign, LaPorta has seen his share of the passing game decrease as Jameson Williams has developed into one of Detroit’s premier playmakers.
With St. Brown, Williams, and Gibbs all commanding significant touches, Solak questioned whether the Lions would ultimately want to commit top-of-the-market money to what he views as the offense’s fourth option.
Why Carolina Makes Sense
If Detroit were to explore a trade, Solak believes the Carolina Panthers would be an ideal landing spot.
He noted that head coach Dave Canales’ offensive system creates opportunities for tight ends to generate yards after the catch, a strength of LaPorta’s game. Solak also believes Carolina’s current group of wide receivers would allow LaPorta to thrive without being asked to take on a major blocking role.
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Would Detroit Actually Consider It?
That’s where the conversation becomes much more difficult.
The Lions have given no indication they are interested in moving LaPorta, who has quickly become one of Jared Goff’s favorite targets and remains one of the league’s rising stars at tight end.
Brad Holmes has consistently emphasized building around homegrown talent, and LaPorta certainly fits that philosophy.
Still, Solak’s proposal highlights the financial challenges that successful teams eventually face. As Detroit’s young stars become eligible for second contracts, Holmes will have difficult decisions to make.
For now, though, the idea of LaPorta wearing anything other than Honolulu Blue feels far more like an interesting offseason debate than a realistic possibility.
Continue reading...
