It might be the middle of the 2026 NFL season, but a lot is happening that could lead to major changes ahead of the trade deadline, or even before next year's free agency.
The latter might be a distant thought for a team like the Patriots,00 but with so many injuries happening across the roster, there's plenty of reason to look into who might be available before then, especially when one of those players could be their future superstar tight end.
That's why they should get on the phone with the Lions about the potential availability of Sam LaPorta, their 25-year-old playmaker, who is seeking an extension with Detroit, but talks have stalled after the parties reached an impasse.
Based on LaPorta's latest comments, that doesn't sound like it will change anytime soon. That's good news for the Patriots, who should view him as a long-term replacement for Hunter Henry and a solid partner for Eli Raridon.
And for all we know, he could be traded before the deadline if things continue to deteriorate between him and the Lions' front office.
#Lions TE Sam LaPorta on not getting a contract extension:
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 21, 2026
“It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, I broke my f—ing back for the team. And then I’m going out there this year and I’m balling, and maybe they’re just… pic.twitter.com/XiLm8Liceq
Although Henry signed an extension this offseason, they still need a proven tight end to round out the tight end room, and LaPorta should be at the top of the list.
Sam LaPorta could be available before the trade deadline and the Patriots should call
With all the injuries the Patriots are dealing with right now, many of them on offense, they don't necessarily need to look for a tight end right now. They should focus on improving the offensive line after Alijah Vera-Tucker was placed on injured reserve, but if LaPorta becomes available, there's little to argue against making the call.
There's a good chance the Lions won't be interested in moving in for anything lower than a high-round pick, given that he's one pace to have a career year, recording 27 receptions for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns so far.
However, that shouldn't deter Vrabel and Co. from inquiring, at the very least.
If a trade isn't in the cards because the Lions won't part with him or the price tag is too high, then the Patriots must look ahead to next year's free agency. Henry hasn't been the playmaker that he typically is so far this season, and given his age, the Patriots will want to replace his production sooner rather than later, and who better than a proven star like LaPorta?
He's been a consistent performer for the Lions since he was drafted in 2023 and is on the rise to become one of the NFL's best at the position. Although he hasn't replicated his first two seasons' success, he's well on his way to doing so this year, which makes him more desirable and a must-get for the Patriots, who need to surround Drake Maye with top-tier talent.
In the last four years, LaPorta has recorded 213 receptions for 2,420 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Adding that kind of productivity to an offense that will already have a star like A.J. Brown would be massive for a young quarterback, no matter what price it would take to get him on the roster. It's something to consider, of course, but the Bill Belichick era is over, and so should the penny-pinching from the front office.
A move for LaPorta would certainly prove there's a new sheriff in town, and Eliot Wolf has done a good job of exemplifying that so far. So, this could be an interesting move to watch ahead of the trade deadline or next spring.
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