The Detroit Lions found a breakout star in tight end Sam LaPorta, who set records in his rookie season and continued to shine in 2024.
The Lions have some depth at tight end but haven’t found another with as big an impact in the passing game as LaPorta, though that could change this offseason. One outlet suggested that the Lions could add a proven tight end with a past connection to quarterback Jared Goff to fill out their passing game.
Lions Could Target Veteran Tight End
Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire suggested some remaining free agents that the Lions could target ahead of the start of training camp, listing former Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett. Risdon noted that some of Everett’s best seasons came with Goff throwing the football to him.
“Once upon a time, Everett and Lions QB Jared Goff had a nice connection during their Rams days,” Risdon wrote. “Everett doesn’t offer much in the way of run blocking, but he’s still a capable chip-and-release receiver who can break the initial tackle.”
The Lions have other tight ends and spare linemen who can handle blocking duties, meaning Everett could give them another red-zone target without having to take on too big of a workload.
Everett has been a steady presence since coming into the NFL in 2017, racking up 2,869 total yards and 19 touchdowns. He didn’t have as much of an impact last season with the Chicago Bears, making just eight receptions for 36 yards.
Lions Could Use Another Big Target
Though the Lions have put together one of the most effective groups of pass-catchers in the NFL, the team could use some more depth at tight end. LaPorta made 60 receptions for 726 yards and seven touchdowns, but the team’s two other tight ends combined for just 14 receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
LaPorta is looking to play an even bigger role in the offense, telling reporter Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website that he has worked to find a mental edge to his game.
“Start to see the game from the quarterback’s perspective,” LaPorta said. “What Jared [Goff] needs exactly and maybe not just knowing what I’m doing on the field but what other people are doing as well. Just seeing the big picture.”
“There might be different ways that Johnny (Morton) wants to get me the ball. Maybe other areas we might step away from,” LaPorta explained. “I think there’s a relationship that needs to be built there as well, and we’ll learn what each other needs.”
LaPorta said the team could find different ways to utilize his skill set under new offensive coordinator Johnny Morton, though the tight end admitted that there could be a bit of a learning curve as players get familiar with the new leader of the offense.
“There might be different ways that Johnny (Morton) wants to get me the ball. Maybe other areas we might step away from,” LaPorta explained. “I think there’s a relationship that needs to be built there as well, and we’ll learn what each other needs.”
