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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are getting pushback after a report from a former player.
So far during the offseason, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has parted ways with several notable pieces, including the trade of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, along with the releases of Graham Glasgow, Taylor Decker (which came with some controversy), and Josh Paschal.
And amidst the multiple free-agent signings that they’ve made, there have been indications from both Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell that the work isn’t finished yet.
However, with 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching, what are the chances that the Lions could part ways with one of their most notable names if it meant moving up 10 spots in the Draft? One NFL.com writer thinks it should happen.
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm Suggests The Detroit Lions Should Trade Sam LaPorta
NFL.com Insider Eric Edholm has suggested that the Lions make a blockbuster move with the Washington Commanders that not only sees them deal away tight end Sam LaPorta, but also land the seventh overall pick in the upcoming Draft. The full proposal:
Commanders Receive:
2026 1st-round pick (No. 17 overall)
2026 6th-round pick (No. 205 overall)
TE Sam LaPorta
Lions Receive:
2026 1st-round pick (No. 7 overall)
2027 3rd-round pick
TE Ben Sinnott
Take a look at what Edholm had to say about his suggested trade proposal:
First off, I don’t think LaPorta will be traded,” he began. “But it wouldn’t totally floor me if he was. LaPorta has been great, and losing him hurts Detroit’s offense, but the big picture must be considered: LaPorta is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is coming off back surgery. George Kittle and Trey McBride reset the TE market last offseason with extensions that pay them each $19 million-plus per year, and that’s before any extension has been struck for Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts. Can the Lions afford to pay LaPorta close to that level? Remember, they also must pay RB Jahmyr Gibbs (two years left on his rookie contract, including a fifth-year option), LB Jack Campbell (on the same timeline as Gibbs) and S Brian Branch (one year left).”
He continued:
“Branch is recovering from an Achilles tear, which eliminates him as a trade candidate, and they have an extra year to get extensions done with Gibbs and Campbell. That means we can assume LaPorta is the most likely of the four to be dealt, remote as those chances might be. Sending Sinnott to the Lions softens the blow just a tad, as he remains a relative unknown, albeit an intriguing one to me. It’s not hard to imagine why the Commanders would want LaPorta, especially with David Blough (who was on Detroit’s practice squad LaPorta’s rookie season) calling plays. Washington should still find a receiver or defensive help readily at No. 17.
Why would Detroit move up to seven? I suspect to acquire a foundational left tackle. That position is their biggest remaining worry, and their guy might not last until 17. It would be a big risk, but a potentially smart one financially and football-wise, and Brad Holmes has never shied away from making waves in Round 1.”
Sam LaPorta Has Played His Entire NFL Career With The Lions
LaPorta was selected by the Lions in the second round (34th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, and has played his entire NFL career in the Motor City.
So far, he’s racked up 2,104 yards on 186 career receptions with 20 touchdowns.
Michael Whitaker Michael Whitaker is a sports journalist based in metro Detroit with nearly a full decade of experience with publications like Clutch Points and The Hockey News. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Eastern Michigan University. More about Michael Whitaker
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