yahoo
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta opened up about his stalled contract negotiations during an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast that aired Wednesday, Oct. 21. LaPorta, who earlier told local reporters about the impasse over an extension with the team that drafted him in 2023, voiced his dissatisfaction with the lack of a new agreement.
When asked by a host whether playing on an expiring contract is difficult, LaPorta replied, 'I think the combination of, like, getting your heartstrings twisted, as well as the violent sport we play, you know, it sucks, and it's disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt.' The tight end missed eight games last season after suffering a herniated disc that required surgery.
LaPorta continued, 'You know, like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, you know, I break my fing back for the team, and then I'm going out there this year, and I'm balling, and maybe they're just not showing the love. So, it sucks.'
Since being selected out of Iowa as a second-round pick, LaPorta has been one of the league's most productive tight ends. Despite missing eight games last season, he still leads all tight ends from the 2023 draft class in receiving yards (2,420) and ranks seventh among all pass catchers.
LaPorta is off to another strong start and was a key contributor in the Lions' 45-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. He caught all five passes thrown his way for a season-high 88 receiving yards and a 38-yard touchdown. In five games this season, he has 27 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns.
'I'm going to continue to do my thing and ball out,' said LaPorta, who added that he is letting his agent handle most of the business. 'And in three months, if I don't get to wear the Honolulu blue and play for the Lions anymore, it's going to be all good. I'll go get paid somewhere else.'
He is tied for second in receiving touchdowns (23) among members of the 2023 class, trailing only Seattle Seahawks receiver and reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba (27).
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has repeatedly expressed a desire to re-sign both LaPorta and safety Brian Branch, another second-round pick in 2023, but neither player has been signed after coming off season-ending injuries in 2025. ESPN reported earlier this month that LaPorta is likely to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 after contract talks were tabled between the two parties.
Four tight ends from the 2023 draft class have already been extended: Green Bay's Tucker Kraft (four years, $75 million), Las Vegas' Michael Mayer (three years, $45 million), Jacksonville's Brenton Strange (three years, $36 million) and Pittsburgh's Darnell Washington (four years, $42 million).
Key Analysis
LaPorta's public frustration highlights the growing tension between the Lions and their young core as they navigate contract negotiations. With several peers from the 2023 draft class already secured to extensions, LaPorta's comments suggest a widening gap in talks. The Lions must balance rewarding their productive players with managing future cap flexibility, especially given LaPorta's injury history and the team's desire to retain both him and Brian Branch. If no deal is reached, LaPorta's impending free agency in 2027 could become a major storyline, potentially leading to his departure and leaving a significant hole in Detroit's offense.
Originally reported by yahoo.