In 2023 Sam LaPorta was a revelation, setting the then-NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end (86). Of course he also set single-season records across the board for a tight end of any experience level in Detroit Lions' history, adding 889 yards and 10 touchdowns to his 86 catches.
LaPorta was also the TE1 in fantasy football, which is a rare feat for a rookie at any position.
Of course repeating that production has been a challenge for LaPorta. He remained a top-10 fantasy tight end in 2024, buoyed by seven touchdowns as his catch (60) and yardage (726) totals dropped noticeably.
At the time of a back injury that would sideline him for the rest of the season, LaPorta was a top-10 fantasy tight end again last year. By points per game, he retained that standing for the season.
The recovery from that back injury, though it seems to be going as planned at this point, adds a layer of question to LaPorta's fantasy outlook for 2026. The depth of skill position talent in the Detroit offense is also a thing, but he brings something to the table no one else quite does.
Sam LaPorta draws a flimsy fantasy label for 2026
While LaPorta's rookie season production is not coming back, he's at worst the third option in the Lions' passing game and there's an argument he's second in the pecking order for targets.
But in putting LaPorta atop his list of potential fantasy busts at tight end for 2026, Michael Fabiano of SI.com is holding the Lions' tight end up against what he did as a rookie.
"LaPorta was seen as the most valuable tight end in fantasy football after posting an historic rookie season in which he led the position in points. Unfortunately, he’s rarely been the same player since. He dropped more than three points on his per-game average in 2024, and he was inconsistent in the nine games he played last season (without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson) before missing the rest of the year with an injured back. He’ll remain a top-10 tight end in the draft due to the position’s lack of depth, but LaPorta is no longer an elite fantasy player."
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Yes, LaPorta is no longer an elite fantasy tight end. There are tight ends above and below him in ADP right now, and surely once draft season really gets rolling, that undeniably have bigger upside.
But if I told you a basic lock to be a top-10 tight end (assuming health) can be taken in the seventh/eighth round area in a 12-team league, after you've loaded up at other positons, that should be appealing.
An "I know what I'm getting pretty much every week" tight end has value in fantasy. LaPorta is at least that. He doesn't belong on a list of busts for this year just because he'll probably never finish as the TE1 again.
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