The Detroit Lions haven’t made many headlines for their offseason moves this year, and that’s been mostly by design. Detroit is trying to manage a tight budget, make fringe improvements, and keep their long-term cap health in a good spot.
Detroit, MI
NFL.com proposes blockbuster Detroit Lions draft-day trade
But if there’s one place they could make a splash, it’s in the upcoming NFL Draft, and NFL.com writer Eric Edholm proposed a gigantic trade that would certainly grab the attention of the entire league. Here’s Edholm’s proposal:
- 2026 first-round pick — 7th overall
- 2027 third-round pick
- TE Ben Sinnott
- TE Sam LaPorta
- 2026 first-round pick — 17th overall
- 2026 sixth-round pick — 205th overall
Trading away LaPorta for a pick upgrade in the first and sixth-to-third round—albeit in 2027—would certainly draw some reactions. Here’s how Edholm justified the move:
“First off, I don’t think LaPorta will be traded. But it wouldn’t totally floor me if he was,” Edholm wrote. “LaPorta has been great, and losing him hurts Detroit’s offense, but the big picture must be considered: LaPorta is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is coming off back surgery.”
Later adding, “Why would Detroit move up to seven? I suspect to acquire a foundational left tackle. That position is their biggest remaining worry, and their guy might not last until 17. It would be a big risk, but a potentially smart one financially and football-wise, and Brad Holmes has never shied away from making waves in Round 1.”
In short, trading LaPorta would help Detroit’s difficult salary cap management by avoiding paying a pricey extension. Meanwhile, a trade up into the top-10 would help the put the finishing touches on their offensive line with a franchise left tackle.
It’s a well-reasoned trade, even if it’s likely to draw some visceral reactions from fans who love LaPorta.
But would the Lions actually do it? Let’s debate.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has never been shy about doing what he needs to do to get his guy in the NFL Draft. So if there’s a tackle he’s particularly fond of, I would not be surprised to see him make an aggressive move to get him. The Lions said fixing the offensive line is “everything” this offseason, and it still feels like they’re one big move away from accomplishing that.
Additionally, the potential cap savings are significant. As Edholm points out, the top-end market for a tight end extension is creeping up to $20 million a year, and with likely extensions coming for both running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell—and maybe safety Brian Branch—it’s possible LaPorta could be the odd one out. A few years ago, Holmes made the bold decision to trade away tight end T.J. Hockenson, and the Lions quickly recovered by snagging LaPorta in the draft. Now, the Lions were in a completely different stage of roster building at this point, and Hockenson was a remnant from the previous regime, but it shows Holmes is willing to move on from a talented player prior to giving them an extension.
Why the Lions probably don’t do it
For one, I think the Lions value LaPorta more than people realize. The Lions tight end has oddly been topic of trade proposals for the past year, as fans and analysts wonder how Detroit will navigate the future of that 2023 draft class. But the Lions have shown no indications they are even thinking of moving on from LaPorta. Holmes continues to reiterate that he wants all of those first four picks from the 2023 draft locked up long term.
Additionally, something coach Dan Campbell told Dan Miller this week really resonated with me in regards to how much they value LaPorta. Campbell and Miller were discussing the team’s desire to improve in the running game, as evidenced by their investments in the offensive line this offseason. But Campbell reminded Miller that losing their top two tight ends at the end of the season also played a huge factor in their lowered efficiency on the ground.
“Some of it was losing LaPorta and Brock Wright,” Campbell said. “That had a significant blow, too.”
LaPorta burst onto the NFL scene thanks to a super productive rookie season when it comes to the passing game (86 catches, 889 yards, 10 TDs). But his game has grown the most as of late as a run blocker. For a team that is that devoted to the run, I’m not sure they’d be willing to part ways with a huge part in that success.
Beyond that, it’s also very, very possible that the Lions can find their long-term offensive tackle staying put at 17 overall. Current projections have anywhere between three and seven first-round talents at offensive tackle, and while a trade into the top-10 would nearly guarantee Detroit’s ability to draft one of them, that could be an unnecessary price to pay. On top of that, the Lions aren’t actually adding any additional picks with this trade, just significantly upgrading two.
Still, it’s an interesting thing to think about, and I don’t believe it’s particularly outlandish. Though, I ultimately agree with Edholm in that I would be surprised if the Lions actually pulled the trigger on a trade like this.
Ilitch Companies recently announced the formation of a new gaming platform with plans to purchase a casino in Mississippi and expand its ownership of a casino in New Jersey.
The new venture, called Ilitch Gaming, will oversee the company’s gaming, hospitality and entertainment businesses, the company said in a release, adding that it will build on the success of MotorCity Casino Hotel. The operation of Ilitch Gaming is awaiting regulatory approval.
Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies, described the move as a new chapter for the company’s gaming and hospitality business. He will also serve as chairperson of Ilitch Gaming.
“My mother Marian Ilitch’s vision for MotorCity Casino Hotel and our success in Detroit over nearly three decades is the inspiration for what comes next,” Ilitch said in a statement. “The formation of Ilitch Gaming marks a defining new chapter in the evolution of our gaming and hospitality business. We remain committed to creating memorable experiences for guests, supporting responsible gaming, and serving as a positive economic force in the communities where we operate.”
Along with the launch of Ilitch Gaming, Ilitch Companies announced plans to acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi, and purchase the remaining ownership stake in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from Luxor Capital Group LP. Ilitch Companies has had 50% ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort since 2021.
Both deals are subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and each casino is expected to continue operating as usual until the transactions are completed, officials said.
“We are incredibly proud of what our team has built over the past decade and grateful for the support we have received from our guests across the Gulf Coast,” LuAnn Pappas, chief executive officer of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, said in a statement. “We believe Ilitch Gaming shares our commitment to hospitality, service, and community, and we are confident Scarlet Pearl is positioned for continued success.”
cwilliams@detroitnews.com
Detroit, MI
Trailblaze Detroit: Blazing New Trails while Backpacking Metro Detroit | Visit Detroit | Visit Detroit
Kensington Metropark is a Detroit region outdoor destination that hardly requires an introduction. With over 4,500 acres of protected recreational prowess, the Metropark receives nearly 3 million visitors each year that enjoy the following amenities:
- Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails weaving through over 700 acres of forests, fields, fens, and swamps
- Boating, paddling, and fishing along the Huron River and massive Kent Lake
- Tee times at its 18 hole golf course
- Family-friendly exhibits and events at its Nature Center and Farm Center
- Playgrounds and beaches
- Ultimate summer fun at “Splash ‘n’ Blast” water park
With its abundance of amenities – and impressive visitation figures – readers of this article might be surprised to have only just learned that the Chief Pontiac Trail crosses through the beloved metropark. If you fall into that camp, then know that you’re far from being alone. In fact, that sentiment is representative of one of the best aspects of the Chief Pontiac Trail experience: leading backpackers through the least-visited segments of an extremely popular metropark.
As you complete the Chief Pontiac Trail, you’ll enjoy stunning natural vistas that remain hidden from the majority of visitors to Kensington. From rolling grasslands to stunning explosions of wildflowers and dramatic ridge lines, the dramatic approach to the Huron River provides a gorgeous finale to your long morning on the trail.
A final descent to Kensington’s “Group Campground” illuminates the finish line of the Chief Pontiac trail: the Group Camp Road Bridge over the Huron River. In true Detroit fashion, there’s no glitzy sign or over-hyped fanfare waiting for you at the end of the trail. Instead, nearly 20 miles of backpacking through the heart of Metro Detroit provides you with the following rewards:
- A lifetime of memories gathered in two days
- Unmatched sense of accomplishment and adventure
- Lasting awe and affinity towards the beauty of Metro Detroit’s outdoors
- Shattered expectations regarding “Pure Michigan” trail experiences
- Stunning views of the shining Huron River
Congratulations on walking in Chief Pontiac’s steps, Detroit.
We can’t wait to see you at another trailhead soon.
____________________________________________________________________
Trailblaze Detroit is a multimedia series co-produced by Visit Detroit and Expedition Detroit. The core purpose of the series is to promote outdoor adventure tourism and discovery throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, as well as highlight the Detroit region’s natural spaces, seasonal activities, hidden outdoor gems, and the individuals that support them.
Are you interested in using adventure marketing to promote your organization or business? Awesome – we’re here to help! Contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com or 734.821.6416 to learn more.
Tarik Skubal injury: Detroit Tigers ace discusses left elbow surgery
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal talks to reporters May 4, 2026, at Comerica Park about needing surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow.
Wenceel Pérez is home.
But when will he return to the Detroit Tigers?
The 26-year-old outfielder returned to Detroit on Friday, June 19, after spending a couple extra days in Houston awaiting clearance to fly. He suffered an orbital fracture June 16 when a plyometric band struck him below his left eye during his postgame workout routine.
Don’t expect to see him in MLB games anytime soon.
“It’s not injured, from what I understand, where it’s going to be something long term,” manager A.J. Hinch said before Tuesday’s game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park, “but it doesn’t mean it heals itself fast. He’s feeling better and better and reporting progress.”
The fracture doesn’t require surgery.
“We’ve got to pay attention to the bone healing,” Hinch said. “The eye part of it is, the swelling is the main issue. There were a couple of days there where your eye swells shut and the vision is not there.”
Pérez hasn’t played for the Tigers since June 16.
Before the injury, he hit .180 with seven home runs, 14 walks and 29 strikeouts in 53 games.
Parker Meadows injury update
Center fielder Parker Meadows hasn’t played for the Tigers since April 9.
The 26-year-old has been on the injured list with a left radius fracture, a concussion and a right mouth laceration, with the left radius fracture requiring surgery. There isn’t a timetable for his return to the Tigers.
“The bone shattered, so it’s not as simple as healing a simple break,” Hinch said. “I say shattered as a non-doctor, so I’m not sure if that’s the actual term, but I know it’s been a work in progress to continue his ability to do everything with that hand and arm and wrist. It’s been slow, and there’s not much we can do.”
Before the injury, he hit .250 with two walks and 10 strikeouts in 12 games while serving as the everyday center fielder.
“He’s not hitting and doing all those things that would lead you to start to wonder when he’s coming back, but it’s progressing,” Hinch said. “The nature of the injury, as we are learning, has been the slowest a bone heals. It’s by no setback or no issue.”
‘Slow ramp’ for Gleyber Torres
Second baseman Gleyber Torres, who has one of the best on-base percentages in baseball, remains sidelined with a left oblique strain. The 29-year-old received a cortisone shot Friday, but he still hasn’t resumed baseball activities.
It’s his second left oblique strain over the past two months.
Last time, Torres missed one month while recovering on the injured list.
It could be an even longer process this time.
“He’s doing his normal rehab therapy,” Hinch said. “It’ll be a slow ramp for him.”
Before the latest injury, he hit .280 with four home runs, 29 walks and 33 strikeouts in 43 games while serving as the everyday second baseman.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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