The Detroit Lions are ensuring their quarterback unit is fully equipped as the regular season approaches this September.
Detroit struck gold with the emergence of tight end Sam LaPorta, who broke records as a rookie and remained a consistent playmaker in 2024.
While the Lions have multiple tight ends on the roster, none have matched LaPorta’s impact through the air—something that could change this offseason. One publication proposed that Detroit pursue a seasoned tight end who once had solid chemistry with Jared Goff.
Jeff Risdon from USA Today’s Lions Wire named several free agents the Lions might consider signing before training camp begins, including ex-Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett. Risdon mentioned that Everett’s top performances came while catching passes from Goff.
“Back in the day, Everett and Lions QB Jared Goff shared a solid rapport during their Rams tenure,” Risdon noted. “While Everett’s not much of a blocker, he’s still a reliable chip-and-release option who can shake the first tackler.”
Detroit has enough blocking support from other tight ends and reserve linemen, so Everett could be used primarily as a red-zone threat without needing to absorb heavy-duty snaps.
Since entering the league in 2017, Everett has maintained steady production, totaling 2,869 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. He saw limited action last year with the Bears, catching only eight passes for 36 yards.
Even though the Lions already boast one of the league’s most productive receiver corps, there’s still room for more tight end depth. LaPorta tallied 60 catches for 726 yards and seven scores, while the team’s two other tight ends had only 14 receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns combined.
LaPorta is aiming to take on an even greater offensive role, telling team reporter Tim Twentyman that he’s trying to gain a mental advantage in his approach.
“Trying to look at things the way Jared [Goff] does—understanding what he’s asking for and not just focusing on my assignments, but recognizing what’s happening across the field,” LaPorta said.
“There could be fresh concepts that Johnny (Morton) wants to use with me. Some routes we used before may be phased out,” LaPorta added. “We need to grow that relationship too, and figure out how we can support each other.”
LaPorta shared that offensive coordinator Johnny Morton may design new ways to exploit his strengths, though he acknowledged a potential adjustment period as the team gets used to Morton’s system.
“There could be fresh concepts that Johnny (Morton) wants to use with me. Some routes we used before may be phased out,” LaPorta added. “We need to grow that relationship too, and figure out how we can support each other.”
