The Detroit Lions have an embarrassment of riches on offense, which makes it quite difficult to consistently get everyone involved.
However, quarterback Jared Goff believes there’s one specific player they must at least try to do a better job of doing so.
Goff is very adamant about getting fourth-year tight end Sam LaPorta more involved this season.
“He’s a stud. He had a good play down the field today on third down. He’s a stud. He’s the same guy every day and keeps getting better, as they all do. We’ve got to find ways to get him the ball,” Goff said via Michael Pro Football Talk.
LaPorta once looked like he was going to be one of the next great tight ends in the NFL. As a rookie in 2023, he recorded an impressive 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.
However, LaPorta’s production has decreased every year since. Part of that is due to injury. Last season he was placed on injury reserve in November and it was later announced that he was unlikely to return during the season after undergoing back surgery.
Nonetheless, it’s safe to say the 2026 season is very important for LaPorta’s future in Detroit. He’s heading into the final year of his rookie deal and finally looks healthy enough to have the production he had as a rookie.
It won’t be easy in an offense with an immense amount of talent around him, but having Goff’s attention early in the process will surely help.
The No. 34 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, LaPorta has recorded 186 receptions for 2,104 yards and 20 touchdowns in his professional career.