This season hasn't gone according to plan for the Philadelphia Eagles. They placed quarterback Jalen Hurts on IR after blood clots were found in his lungs.
Being without your QB1 puts the Birds behind the eight ball, but before everything went down with Hurts, it looked like 2026 was going to be a tough year for Philadelphia. The Eagles have already begun planning for the future, as they hold two first- and second-round picks in the 2028 NFL Draft.
With a clear eye on the long haul, the comments by Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta are interesting. LaPorta was a guest on the Pardon My Take podcast. He talked about how this could be his last year in Detroit and how playing a brutal game like football can be tough, especially when you're not getting compensated at the level you believe you're worth.
Eagles should keep tabs on Sam LaPorta after he voices frustration
"I think the combination of like, getting your heartstrings twisted, as well as the violent sport that we play, you know, it sucks, and it's disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt. You know, like last year, whatever it was, week nine, week 10, you know, I break my f****** back for the team, and them I'm going out there this year and I'm balling and maybe they're just not showing the love," LaPorta said.
"So it sucks. I'm going to continue to be a pro. And I dish a lot of that to my agent and he handles that great. 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," LaPorta added.
Based on what he stated, it appears it's only a matter of time until LaPorta is elsewhere. The Eagles will have Dallas Goedert hitting free agency after the year, opening a void at tight end. Goedert has been a stout tight end for Philly over the past nine years, but the end may be near.
He'll turn 32 in January, and his best days may be behind him. Meanwhile, the Eagles drafted Eli Stowers in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, yet he hasn't logged a single snap this season, proving it's a developmental season for him.
There's no way they could bank on him being TE1, and there isn't anyone else on the roster who would take that job. The Eagles need to upgrade at tight end, and LaPorta would be the perfect fit.
Sam LaPorta would immediately improve Eagles offense
Since entering the league, LaPorta has been one of the most productive tight ends. Between the 2023 and 2025 seasons, LaPorta ranked fifth among tight ends in receiving yards (2,104), ninth in catches (186), third in receiving touchdowns (20), and fifth in receiving yards per game (50.1).
He suffered a herniated disc in his back that ended his 2025 season after Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. If he stayed healthy, his numbers would have been even better. And he's been off to a hot start this year.
Over six weeks, LaPorta is fifth among tight ends in receiving yards (316), seventh in catches (27), and tied for third in receiving touchdowns (three). From the Lions' perspective, he's second on the team in catches, yards, and receiving touchdowns.
LaPorta is just 25 years old and will turn 26 in January. He's a player who is entering his prime and is easily one of the top five tight ends in the NFL. According to OverTheCap, Philadelphia has $36 million in cap space for 2027, but that number could easily rise with cuts and some restructures.
Read more: Saquon Barkley's latest injury update brings good news for the Eagles
Philadelphia would have the money to offer LaPorta a lucrative deal and bring him to town. An offense with playmakers like LaPorta, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley would be exciting. The Eagles will have a hole at tight end, and if LaPorta is a free agent come March, Philly should offer him a bag he can't refuse.
Add us as a preferred source on Google