The latest Carolina Panthers rumors could have fans excited for a certain superstar who could join the roster before the 2026 season. According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, he projects the Panthers may acquire Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta in a trade, as Detroit has a huge decision to make relatively soon. The analyst broke down ten bold predictions, and it’s not surprising to see LaPorta in trade rumors again this offseason. Between the TE, Brian Branch and Jahmyr Gibbs, there isn’t enough cap space to extend everyone.
Of course, the Lions will prioritize extending Gibbs, especially after being forced to trade David Montgomery this offseason. Detroit signed former Kansas City Isiah Pacheco, but he’s more of a backup than a starter. It will probably be the Lions giving a new deal to Gibbs and Branch, which likely leaves LaPorta in the dark about a new long-term extension. The tight end still has one of the most reliable hands in the league, but he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal.
After recording about 500 receiving yards, his 2025 campaign ended in November after undergoing back surgery. The Lions will certainly take his mobility issues into account before the season. However, his rookie season was still spectacular, hauling in 86 catches, 889 yards, and ten touchdowns. He should have plenty of interest, but let’s explore the Carolina Panthers’ potential fit.
Panthers Rumors: $9M Star Connected in Massive Blockbuster Trade
Does it Make Sense?
It depends on when the trade happens. The Carolina Panthers already have a loaded roster despite losing RB Rico Dowdle to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has done a good job of strengthening its defense via free agency while drafting some offensive gems, including WR Chris Brazzell. They also re-signed Jalen Coker to an extension, and with Tetairoa McMillan already red-hot on the field, they probably have their three pillars in the pass game.
However, the TE room is a complete disappointment, so it’s understandable why LaPorta is a trade fit. At the same time, the Lions aren’t going to trade him to an NFC contender, especially the Panthers, who surprised many this past season, led by Bryce Young and this youthful roster. If this trade has to happen, it would only occur if the Lions experience another losing year before the trade deadline, and maybe they could be desperate to send the TE to a new team to build draft capital.
Other than that, don’t expect the Lions to trade the TE to an NFC team. Here are three teams that could roll the dice on the pass-catcher.
Other Potential Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
With TE Travis Kelce soon to marry pop star Taylor Swift, the Kansas City Chiefs must think about the future of their passing game. Entering this 2026 campaign, the team brought back Kelce, but he’s probably retired come next year. With the Chiefs still having woes in the aerial attack, they must do everything they can to comfort QB Patrick Mahomes, who’s coming off a season-ending injury.
LaPorta has a similar frame as Kelce and could blossom well in an offense that’s struggling in consistency. Last year, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice and Kelce were unable to stay on the same page. Now, Rice has been in legal trouble this offseason, which leaves Worthy, who’s reportedly improved. LaPorta might not be the next superstar, but being a part of Kansas City, he could have an enormous 2026 season.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Ravens are an interesting landing spot. The team lost starting TE Isaiah Likely after the team decided to extend Mark Andrews under the former John Harbaugh regime. Likely reunited with Harbaugh, which leaves a big question for what Jesse Minter will do with Andrews. The team also lost Charlie Kolar, but they’ve drafted a promising prospect in Matthew Hibner in the 2026 draft.
With Andrews getting old, the right move might be acquiring LaPorta to see how he can fit into this offense as a 1-2 punch alongside Andrews.
Dallas Cowboys
It was mentioned that the Lions aren’t trading their TE to an NFC team, but at the right price and time, anything is possible. After locking in Jake Ferguson to a long-term contract extension last year, the team still has one of the worst TE depths. Brevyn Spann-Ford is solid, but only as a pass- and run-blocker. LaPorta could light up the skies and pair with Ferguson as one of the scariest TE duos in the league.
