Just a few weeks away from the start of training camp, the Patriots have a very clear idea of the roster upgrades they still need to make before the start of the 2026 season. Perhaps the most pressing is their tight end room, as Julian Hill's season-ending injury leaves them with little depth at the position.
Although Hunter Henry has proven he can carry the load, he doesn't have much help to keep the offense afloat, since the Patriots chose not to re-sign Austin Hooper in free agency. Instead, they drafted Eli Raridon in the third round, and while he has a lot of potential, there's not much optimism that he will be an explosive Day 1 starter.
So that leaves them a few choices in how to improve the roster: sign one of the remaining free agents or make a big-time trade.
Most fans desire the trade route for many reasons, mainly because the talent pool is far more palatable, and one of the top names has continued to be the Raiders' Michael Mayer. There's no reason the Patriots shouldn't inquire about his availability, especially since he has a connection to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
However, a tough decision by the Lions potentially puts a player like Sam LaPorta on the table, and Eliot Wolf has no reason not to call Detroit about a deal.
The latest contract decisions by the Lions give the Patriots their next trade target
After reaching a deal on a massive extension with linebacker Jack Campbell earlier this month, NFL insiders have reported that the Lions are shifting their focus to reach a deal with running back Jahmyr Gibbs next, who has become a cornerstone of their offense over the last few years.
Because he's considered one of the top players at the position in the league, and they're actively competing with the Falcons regarding who will extend their running back first, it's unlikely that Detroit will have the bandwidth to keep a player like LaPorta beyond the 2026 season after Gibbs receives a massive payday.
That should, presumably, put the tight end on the trade block, as it would be far more beneficial for the Lions to trade him before watching him walk in free agency for no return next offseason.
With that in mind, the Patriots should make the call about the 25-year-old, not only because they need help at tight end for the upcoming season, but also because they need a trusted successor for Henry, who might be playing his final season with the Patriots this fall.
On top of it all, the Falcons' latest agreement with Kyle Pitts throws a wrench into the Lions' potential plans of retaining LaPorta, because now they might be on the hook for more money if they wanted to re-sign him.
It all works in the Patriots' favor, and they could immediately extend LaPorta to keep him around for a handful of years and take over the TE1 role that Henry will presumably leave soon.
Over the last three years, he has proven he can be a viable weapon for Jared Goff, recording 186 receptions for 2,104 yards and 20 touchdowns, with his most impressive season coming in his rookie year, when he tallied 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 scores.
That kind of production with the Patriots is exactly what Drake Maye needs now and in the future, especially if Henry isn't part of their long-term plans, and gives them another reason to inquire about LaPorta's availability.
There are far too many variables working in their favor, with the Lions' recent tough decisions making it all the more clear that they could get their hands on the tight end ahead of the upcoming season.
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