On Wednesday, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta told "Pardon My Take" that he's not thrilled about how the organization has treated his contract situation, and he's OK if he hits free agency this coming offseason. His words sparked the idea that he could be on the trade block.
“It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and bear the risk of getting hurt," said LaPorta. "Like last year, I broke my (expletive) back for the team. And then I’m going out there this year, and I’m balling, and maybe they’re just not showing the love.
“I’m going to continue to do my thing and ball out, and in three months, if I don’t get to wear the Honolulu blue and play for the Lions anymore, it’s going to be all good. I’ll go get paid somewhere else. So whatever.”
#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
With his comments, the question becomes: Should the Rams call up their old friend in Brad Holmes and trade for LaPorta? No doubt about it.
The Rams may not need a tight end specifically, but they are in desperate need of an additional playmaker following an injury to Davante Adams that will keep him out for 6-10 weeks. Plus, Terrance Ferguson isn't ready to return either.
The reason they should trade for LaPorta is simple. Their offense is in dire need of an Iowa Hawkeye-prototype tight end. LaPorta is an amazing blocker, which is crazy because it's not even his best skill. His work as a pass catcher would allow Sean McVay to mirror his run-and-pass blocking scheme more effectively, as the defense would have to respect this variety of skills. That means the Rams could counter the blitz, and thus make teams fearful when using it.
Let's not act like whatever the draft compensation would be to add LaPorta is beyond what the Rams are willing to spend. They also are not in need of high draft picks, as they don't need to play rookies anymore, only doing so when forced.
Without Adams, their 11 personnel offense won't be effective. All it will be is a constant, ineffective bombardment of Puka Nacua that habitually sets up third-and-long, which the Rams will struggle to convert. They need to go back to 12 and 13 personnel because the film shows that when Nacua isn't open, Matthew Stafford's second and third reads are the tight ends and running backs.
Those personnel packages will allow Stafford the protection and targets needed, plus they'll beef up the line of scrimmage with LaPorta, allowing Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen to block in what should be an effective rushing attack. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum work best in these packages.
Colby Parkinson can also be used more as a receiver to help fill the void left by Adams and Ferguson.
LaPorta would need to get extended, but a star tight end in his prime is a price worth paying. The truth is that Poona Ford, Alaric Jackson, and Adams are likely playing their final season with the team. Byron Young will be hard to keep because the team will have to pay Nacua, but beyond that, Los Angeles has the cap space to keep LaPorta while paying others like Kobie Turner and their offensive line.
The Rams need an injection of energy and consistency. Peak tight end play provides that. Look at the undefeated teams in the NFL. Kansas City, Minnesota, San Francisco. Travis Kelce, T.J. Hockenson, George Kittle.
They're not going to play Max Klare, and Parkinson and Allen are free agents after the season, so the team will have to add a tight end anyway. LaPorta would help get the team back on track.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Why the Rams should trade for this Pro Bowl TE instead of a WR