Sam LaPorta has put together some strong performances after a slow start. Is he still considered an elite tight end in the NFL?
After a slow start to the season, Sam LaPorta has a hot streak going. For the Detroit Lions offense, that is a welcome sight.
LaPorta has not—and likely will not—reproduce or exceed his 86-catch, 889-yard rookie campaign, but there were still flashes of production from the talented tight end. The problem for LaPorta was putting it together consistently. Nearly every skill player on offense had a breakout game in 2024, but LaPorta had lagged behind. A handful of catches for a handful of yards was below the lofty standards he set for himself last season.
Things have been coming together recently for LaPorta, however.
Over the previous three games, LaPorta has 208 receiving yards and a touchdown—solid, but not outstanding numbers. That receiving total is carried by his 111-yard outing against the Buffalo Bills. What truly stands out to me is the target share. LaPorta has 24 targets over those recent games, over a third of his season total of 68. His role in the offense is growing.
Is that growth enough for him to reclaim his title as one of the top tight ends in the NFL? Players like George Kittle and Trey McBride has putting up gaudy stats on a weekly basis, while Brock Bowers has shattered the rookie records set by LaPorta. Has a quiet second season relegated LaPorta to the second tier of tight ends?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Is Sam LaPorta still an elite tight end?
My answer: Yes.
There is a very strong disconnect between LaPorta’s production this season and how well he has played. His numbers are down across the board, sure, but I don’t think the elite tight end we saw as a rookie ever left. What has changed is the offense around him, through absolutely no fault of his own. Jared Goff attempted 605 passes in 2023, with LaPorta being targeted on 120 of them. The Lions’ passing offense in 2023 was centered around LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The passing attack in 2024 is just as potent, but it is more diverse. St. Brown is still leading the way in targets, but Jameson Williams has emerged as a reliable target for Goff. The breakout from Williams, who is approaching a 1000-yard campaign, has bumped LaPorta down the pecking order. Goff is on pace to attempt 535 passes as well, far fewer than last season.
The Lions have not needed LaPorta to be the target hog he was last season. Not only has he improved as a blocker this season, but the attention he is getting from defenses is opening up the field for players like St. Brown. A lot of the discourse surrounding LaPorta’s season stems from the fantasy football mindset: numbers are the only thing that matter to some. He was TE1 last season and many people expected similar results, if not better. That has not been the case, and due to that drop in production, many have been quick to dismiss him. That is not fair to the role he plays in the Lions offense, nor does it represent his actual on-field performance.
Tight ends are more than just pass catchers, and I still believe that LaPorta is among the best out there.
Your turn.
