Chiefs Acquire Young Tight End LaPorta from Lions in Trade

Kansas City moves to replace retiring star Travis Kelce with promising 25-year-old tight end

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly acquired young tight end Sam LaPorta from the Detroit Lions in a trade, sending a 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick to Detroit. The move comes as the Chiefs look to replace the retiring future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce, with the 25-year-old LaPorta seen as a promising long-term option to lead their passing attack.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' offense has been built around Kelce's elite receiving skills for nearly a decade, so finding a suitable replacement is crucial to maintaining their high-powered attack. LaPorta, a former second-round pick, has shown flashes of star potential but is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season. If he can regain his rookie-year form, this trade could pay major dividends for Kansas City as they look to remain among the AFC's elite.

The details

According to reports, the Lions were open to trading LaPorta due to their need to re-sign several key members of their 2023 draft class, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, and defensive back Brian Branch. With limited salary cap space, Detroit decided to move the 25-year-old tight end now rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency down the line. For the Chiefs, the acquisition of LaPorta provides them with a potential long-term replacement for the retiring Kelce, who has been Patrick Mahomes' top target for years.

  • The 2026 NFL season is set to begin on March 11.
  • The Chiefs are looking to replace Travis Kelce, who is expected to retire after the 2025 season.

The players

Sam LaPorta

A 25-year-old tight end who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He had a breakout rookie season in 2023 with 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, but dealt with injuries in 2025 that limited his production.

Travis Kelce

A future Hall of Fame tight end who has been the centerpiece of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense for nearly a decade. Kelce is expected to retire after the 2025 season, leaving a significant void for the Chiefs to fill.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has relied heavily on Travis Kelce as his top target in the passing game. Mahomes will be tasked with developing chemistry with the new tight end, Sam LaPorta, as the Chiefs look to maintain their offensive dominance.

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What they’re saying

“The Lions have four 2023 draft picks they want to extend -- LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell and Brian Branch -- and there are people around the league who wonder whether they'll be able to get all of those deals done or if they'd have to trade someone.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“LaPorta had back surgery this past season (489 receiving yards, three touchdowns) and hasn't looked as explosive as he did as a rookie (889 yards, 10 scores in 2023), but he remains one of the most exciting young receivers at the position.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to quickly sign LaPorta to a long-term contract extension, ensuring he remains a key part of their offense for years to come. They will also monitor Travis Kelce's status closely, as the future Hall of Famer may opt to play one more season before retiring.

The takeaway

This trade represents a changing of the guard for the Chiefs' offense, as they transition from the Kelce era to a new era built around the promising young tight end Sam LaPorta. If LaPorta can stay healthy and develop chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, this move could pay major dividends for Kansas City as they look to remain among the AFC's elite teams.