It's never too early to look ahead to next year's free agency, no matter how early in the season it is or how the roster has performed so far. The Patriots have plenty of improvements to make next year, and one glaring yet overlooked issue remains: their tight end room.
Although they gave Hunter Henry an extension this past offseason, the typically reliable pass catcher and blocker hasn't been living up to that standard over the past four games. He became something of a security blanket for Drake Maye over the last two years, only to be largely absent at the start of this season.
Rookie Eli Raridon has had some solid moments, especially in Week 1, when he scored the Patriots' first touchdown of 2026. He's had some good catches and has become a better blocker, yet Maye still lacks a dominant tight end to boost the offense.
That's why the latest update on Sam LaPorta's contract extension with the Lions is massive news for Mike Vrabel and Co., and he could become their next biggest free-agent target next spring.
The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in Detroit since he was drafted in 2023, which would make him an easy extension candidate as their Super Bowl window is at its widest.
But the latest reporting from NFL insider Ian Rapoport claims the opposite, and it's looking like the Patriots will have their chance to sign LaPorta next year, which couldn't happen at a better time.
Stalled extension talks could be a sign for the Patriots to inquire about Sam LaPorta
Because the main goal of the Patriots will surely be to surround Maye with the caliber talent he needs to succeed, they will always look to improve the offense in the best way that they can, and one of those top players could turn out to be LaPorta.
He hoped to become the latest tight end to receive a big extension this offseason, like Tucker Kraft who received a 4-year, $75 million contract before the start of the season.
But negotiations with the Lions have stalled, and LaPorta has made it clear that he would rather focus on football right now and potentially test his market in free agency next spring.
It looked like he was next in line for a new deal, since the Lions have already extended players like RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DE Aidan Hutchinson, and WR Jameson Williams. But if they're going to put the conversation on hold, there's a good chance they'll shift their focus to re-signing cornerback Brian Branch, who is also a superstar talent on the roster.
While that isn't the best news for LaPorta, it is good news for the Patriots, who need to find a legitimate successor to Henry and a long-term partner for Raridon if they believe he has a bright future on their team.
The Patriots should consider making a move for their next star tight end
With Henry closer to the end of his career than the beginning, the Patriots will need to find the right person to replace him sooner rather than later.
Some might suggest turning to the draft, exactly as they did for Raridon earlier this year. But it would probably be better to bring in a more experienced player to give the room a veteran voice and add a trusted playmaker to the roster whom they won't have to worry about performing at a high level.
LaPorta has been that for the Lions over the past three years, recording 146 receptions for 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns. He's also off to a hot start this season, totaling 22 catches for 228 yards and two scores.
If he maintains that level of play, he could put together the best season of his career so far, which seems more than possible, given that his most impressive season was his rookie year, when he recorded 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.
That's the kind of performer the Patriots could seriously benefit from, and knowing that LaPorta is only 25 years old makes the entire scenario even better. He could step in immediately to replace Henry and give Maye the reliable tight end he's shown he loves, while also mentoring Raridon in the process.
They'll need to adjust a few contracts to afford the kind of deal he will be looking for. But based on how LaPorta has performed so far, it would be well worth it for the future of the New England offense.
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