The Detroit Lions’ search for an offensive coordinator came to a shocking end when it was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero that they are working to finalize a deal with former Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing.
The reception to the move has been lukewarm, as fans were hoping for a bigger name such as former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Petzing’s previous work with the Cardinals also doesn’t inspire confidence that things will be better than they were under former OC John Morton, but there may have been some under-the-radar motives backing the decision to hire Petzing.
One of those may be at the tight end position with Sam LaPorta. After helping Trey McBride develop into one of the league’s best receiving threats at his position during his tenure in Arizona, LaPorta could stand to be one of the biggest winners after Monday’s report. It might also be a part of a bigger plan that sees the Lions groom his successor in the coming years.
New Lions OC Drew Petzing Will Play Big Role in Sam LaPorta’s Future with Lions
The reason for optimism with LaPorta can be seen in McBride’s success. Over the past three seasons, McBride ranks first in receptions (318) and receiving yards (3,210) and tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns (16). Petzing’s history also includes success in previous stops, working with Austin Hooper and David Njoku as tight ends coach with the Cleveland Browns (2020-21) and working with Kyle Rudolph during his tenure in various roles with the Minnesota Vikings (2014-19).
Looking at those names, it’s easy to see LaPorta having success under Petzing, especially with more receiving touchdowns (20) than McBride had over the past three seasons. But LaPorta’s situation is complicated after suffering a back injury that ended his 2025 campaign last November. Entering the final year of his contract, LaPorta’s future in Detroit is up in the air and could have the Lions looking for a replacement.
This year’s free agent crop has some younger options, such as Kyle Pitts, Isaiah Likely, and Chig Okonkwo. But the Lions could also have their eyes on some of the top prospects in this year’s draft, including Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, Cincinnati’s Joe Royer, and Utah’s Dallen Bentley.
With Spotrac estimating LaPorta’s extension to carry an annual value of $17.5 million and the Lions having to reach contract agreements with Jahmyr Gibbs ($20.2 million market value) and Jack Campbell ($21.4 million) as soon as this offseason, it would make sense for Brad Holmes and the Lions front office to establish a Plan B.
While it’s not the only reason the Lions would have hired Petzing, it could at least play a role that might see LaPorta flourish or spend his last season in Detroit.
