Michael serves as TWSN’s site manager, covering everything from the NFL to MLB. Fantasy football remains his biggest passion, with his writing career beginning during his time at Ohio State University.
The Denver Broncos closed the 2025 NFL season in devastating fashion. A Bo Nix ankle injury ahead of the AFC Championship Game derailed their Super Bowl aspirations, leaving them at home while the New England Patriots represented the AFC on the game’s biggest stage.
While the Nix injury was crushing, the overall results of last season proved that the foundation has been laid. It’s not a perfect roster, but the Broncos can compete with the premier teams in the NFL.
The front office understands that, and they’ve begun their all-in push while they remain in Nix’s rookie-contract window.
Denver just sent a first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to acquire Jaylen Waddle, giving Nix and the offense the go-to weapon it desperately needed.
But is it possible that they don’t stop there? Let’s break it down.
TWSN Quick Facts
League: NFL
Team: Detroit Lions
Player: Sam LaPorta
Position: Tight End
Proposed Trade Destination: Denver Broncos
NFL Trade Idea Sends Sam LaPaorta to Denver Broncos
In a recent article, Thomas Carelli of Sports Illustrated pitched the idea of Denver continuing to build up its arsenal of weapons by trading for Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta.
The former Pro Bowler would join Nix and Sean Payton in Denver, while the Lions would receive wide receiver Marvin Mims, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-rounder.
“Sean Payton has never been shy to use tight ends. We can take a glance at prime Jimmy Graham for the best example. By adding LaPorta, they will make sure to keep him just as involved as the Lions do, if not even more,” wrote Carelli.
Why Would The Broncos Trade For Sam LaPorta?
If the Broncos deem that Nix is not yet surrounded by enough talent, adding a difference-making tight end is the next avenue to pursue.
Evan Engram isn’t much more than a safety blanket as a receiver, and his lack of versatility limits what Payton can do with his offense.
LaPorta, on the other hand, can do a little bit of everything. He’s fairly effective as a blocker, a red-zone threat, he can make an impact on multiple levels of the field, and he can punish defenses after the catch.
Whether he’s worth a pair of day-two picks is debatable, but there’s no doubt that he’d immediately elevate the offense in Denver.
Would The Lions Actually Entertain a Sam LaPorta Trade?
Simply put, I think the answer is no.
Perhaps there’s a world in which he’s allowed to walk in free agency after his contract expires this year, but with the Lions in the heart of their Super Bowl window, they’ll almost certainly be hanging onto LaPorta.
Head coach Dan Campbell made his thoughts on LaPorta fairly clear just the other day. He discussed how the backbone of Detroit’s roster is already in place, mentioning that they have their tight end.
Dan Campbell on the future and the build of the Detroit Lions currently 👀
“We’ve got the HARD part down… we got the QB, two WR’s, we got a TE, we got the Back, a Tackle, we got fricken HUTCH, we got Jack, we got Branch… the future looks BRIGHT”
(🎥: @FOX2Sports | #OnePride) pic.twitter.com/zGW0J4iaQK
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) March 30, 2026
LaPorta is an integral piece of the Lions’ success, and with the organization making a push for a championship in 2026, there’s no reason to believe they’ll be interested in parting ways with one of their key playmakers.
Maybe Detroit would accept an egregious overpay, but the Broncos aren’t desperate enough to shell out premium draft capital for a tight end on an expiring contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s some more information on LaPorta.
How Old is Sam LaPorta?
LaPorta was born on January 12, 2001, making him 25 years old.
What Were Sam LaPorta’s 2025 Stats?
In 2025, LaPorta appeared in nine games and posted the following numbers:
Targets: 49
Receptions: 40
Receiving Yards: 489
Yards Per Reception: 12.2
Receiving Touchdowns: 3
What Was Sam LaPorta’s Injury in 2025?
LaPorta suffered a back injury in Week 10, leading to the team placing him on injured reserve soon after. That injury ended his season.
What is Sam LaPorta’s Contract?
LaPorta is on his four-year rookie contract. The deal is valued at $9.5 million and runs through the 2026 season.
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Michael serves as TWSN’s site manager, covering everything from the NFL to MLB. Fantasy football remains his biggest passion, with his writing career beginning during his time at Ohio State University.