Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is emerging as a big X-Factor for the Lions' offense this upcoming season.
The Lions are still expected to be high-scoring under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, but it was clear the talented offense missed LaPorta after his season-ending back injury. For example, quarterback Jared Goff's completion percentage dropped from 74% and a 117.7 passer rating before LaPorta's injury to 62.6% and 94.6 afterward, with eight of Goff's 13 turnovers occurring after LaPorta's injury.
That drop-off wasn't all on LaPorta missing time, but it's not a stretch to say Goff's numbers would've been better with LaPorta around. And with LaPorta trending toward a return for Week 1, and a new OC running the show, it might be time to start talking about Comeback Player of the Year.
CBS Sports writer Josh Edwards isn't divvying up any such awards, but he did name LaPorta as one of the ten veterans he thinks could have a resurgence in 2026. LaPorta is joined by names like Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray, former Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore, and former Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil with the Washington Commanders.
Edwards recognizes that LaPorta has seen a drop-off in yards and TDs as his career has progressed, but counters that by saying the Lions' offense as a whole had a down year as it adjusted to life after Ben Johnson.
The reason Edwards believes LaPorta could have a resurgent season is who's leading the offense now: Petzing.
"Petzing's own offense with the (Arizona) Cardinals and roots dating to Cleveland suggest the tight end will be heavily utilized in the pass game. "
There are some questions regarding Petzing's offense in Arizona, but none of those questions have to do with the TE position. Trey McBride was a Pro Bowler each of the past two seasons, and the First-Team All-Pro at the position last season. McBride finished second among all pass-catchers in receptions with 126, which, mind you, is more receptions than any season in either Amon-Ra St. Brown or Calvin Johnson's careers.
If healthy, LaPorta should play a huge role in Petzing's offense in 2026. Maybe not 126 receptions huge, as Goff has a deeper talent pool to throw the ball to than Jacoby Brissett did in Arizona last season, but enough to likely put LaPorta back in All-Pro discussion.
Alim McNeill receives an honorable mention
With only ten spots to fill, it's understandable Edwards didn't double-up on players from the same team. In his entry for LaPorta, Edwards did name drop defensive tackle Alim McNeill as someone he considered adding to this list.
McNeill is overcoming his own injuries, but believes he's back to his old self again after a rough 2025. If so, Edwards thinks McNeill "could play a vital role in the Lions re-establishing themselves as a contender in the NFC."
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LaPorta and McNeill both having resurgence in 2026 would be a phenomenal outcome for the Lions. Adding an elite All-Pro-level player on both sides of the ball, coupled with a fourth-place schedule, should have the Lions in a prime position for more than just the top of the NFC North.
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