As the Detroit Lions gear up for the 2026 NFL season, all eyes are on the newly appointed offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and his potential impact on rising star tight end Sam LaPorta. Petzing, who previously enjoyed a successful three-year run with the Arizona Cardinals, is known for favoring offensive formations that feature multiple tight ends, specifically utilizing 12- and 13-personnel packages—a strategy the Lions have embraced with notable success in recent seasons.
During his time with the Cardinals, Petzing played a pivotal role in the development of tight end Trey McBride, who emerged as a standout performer in 2025. Under Petzing’s guidance, McBride led all NFL tight ends with 126 receptions, 1,239 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns, placing him sixth overall among all players in receiving yards that season, just behind Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. McBride’s trajectory from 825 yards and three touchdowns in 2023 to his remarkable league-leading status illustrates Petzing’s ability to enhance the skill sets of tight ends, making him a promising figure for LaPorta’s growth.
Petzing’s resume includes impressive stints with other notable tight ends, such as Austin Hooper and David Njoku during his time as tight ends coach with the Cleveland Browns, as well as working with Kyle Rudolph while with the Minnesota Vikings. This rich history suggests that Petzing possesses the expertise to replicate his past successes while developing LaPorta.
With LaPorta recovering from a season-ending back injury, the Lions are optimistic that he can regain his formidable form. The former Iowa Hawkeye had a breakout rookie season in 2023, totaling 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, contributing to his overall career stats of 186 receptions, 2,104 yards, and 20 touchdowns in his short time with the team. The upcoming season may be pivotal for LaPorta, as he seeks to showcase his talent under Petzing’s innovative offensive strategies during the final year of his rookie contract.
As the Lions look to bolster their tight end lineup, bringing in additional reliable options through the draft or free agency could provide valuable support to Petzing’s offensive game plan. With a strong foundation in place, the potential for LaPorta to bounce back and excel in Petzing’s system could offer a new level of excitement and hope for Lions fans in the upcoming season.