The Detroit Lions are more interested in winning than they are in figuring out a long-term solution for tight end Sam LaPorta.
But with the NFL Trade Deadline looming, LaPorta's lack of a contract extension from the Lions (and some of his recent comments) has thickened the plot.
If the Lions were to make LaPorta available in a trade, he would be one of the most sought-after players at this year's deadline. And there are a lot of teams out there right now that could use him.
Based on production at the tight end position this season, which teams need him the most?
3 NFL teams that need Sam LaPorta the most at the 2026 NFL trade deadline
1. Denver Broncos
If there is one team in the NFL right now that needs more out of the tight end position, it's the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos signed Evan Engram to a free agent deal in 2025, and that hasn't worked out as planned. Engram played a career-low in snap count percentage last season (42 percent), and had one of his most disappointing years statistically.
This season, Engram ranks 30th among all NFL tight ends in receiving yards (134) and is 34th among all tight ends in target share (11.11 percent).
The Broncos also traded up in the 5th round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select NC State product Justin Joly, but he didn't even make the final roster coming out of training camp. They could use a short- and long-term fix like LaPorta badly.
2. Dallas Cowboys
If anybody is still pretending that Jake Ferguson is the best possible option for the Dallas Cowboys at the tight end position, it's time to stop pretending.
Ferguson has had a number of key whiffs this season -- horribly timed drops and a tip-drill play that resulted in an interception against the Buccaneers; a fumble against the Baltimore Ravens. He simply hasn't been good enough.
He was targeted 102 times by Dak Prescott last season, but so far in 2026, he's only been targeted 17 times on 181 routes. His target share is all the way down to 10 percent, and he has just 115 receiving yards to show for it.
The Cowboys -- maybe more than anyone else -- have shown a distinct willingness to wheel and deal right now. If the Lions are willing to play nice with an NFC team (they've traded a tight end to a division rival before, so why not?), this could be possible.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
Even though the Cincinnati Bengals have shown a ton of commitment in the past to Mike Gesicki, it's time for them to get a better every-down option at the position.
Gesicki serves his purpose -- he has 4 touchdowns this season -- but he only has 12 receptions in five games so far in 2026.
It feels like we've been talking about the tight end position being a major need for this Bengals team in 2026. His 12 catches rank 32nd in the NFL among tight ends. His 28 yards after the catch ranks 52nd among tight ends.
It's time for the Bengals to make another move for an offensive skill player, and LaPorta would be perfect.
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