Home · Sports · Oct 4 archive
Lions, LaPorta Break Off Contract Talks
Confirmed
In Short: The Lions have a history of negotiating contracts during the season, but LaPorta's camp wanted to break off talks after four weeks without a deal.
Sources say the Lions and LaPorta could not reach an agreement despite weeks of discussions.
LaPorta, a second-round draft pick in 2023, has been a standout player, catching 14 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown this season.
The Lions have a history of negotiating contracts during the season, but LaPorta's camp wanted to break off talks after four weeks without a deal.
LaPorta's agent, Jack Bechta, had hoped for a deal similar to Tucker Kraft's four-year, $75 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.
The Lions have extended contracts for several other key players, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, and Kerby Joseph.
LaPorta's contract situation is now uncertain, with the possibility of him becoming a free agent in 2027.
The Lions could still revisit negotiations later in the season or use the franchise tag to retain LaPorta.
Coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the team's efforts to extend LaPorta's contract, noting the ongoing discussions.
LaPorta's performance this season has been strong, despite missing part of 2025 due to back surgery.
The Lions' general manager, Brad Holmes, has expressed interest in extending all four of Detroit's top picks from the 2023 draft class.
What this adds
The Lions' decision to break off talks with LaPorta adds to the uncertainty around his future, as tight ends rarely reach free agency.
The team's willingness to negotiate during the season suggests there may still be a chance for a deal, but LaPorta's camp wanted to focus on the field.
Background
Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks have yet to agree on a contract extension, with talks reportedly stalled as the season approaches. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that negotiations have 'stagnated,' according to Bleacher Report.
What's confirmed
- The Detroit Lions and star tight end Sam LaPorta have broken off contract talks, sources told NFL Network, after attempting to work out a long-term deal for the first few weeks of the season.
- The Lions continue to negotiate deals in-season and there is a chance they make another attempt at a deal that would make LaPorta one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.
- With LaPorta wanting to fully focus on the field, the sides decided that any new contract would wait until the offseason after a push on Friday and Saturday did not result in a deal.
- LaPorta and the Lions have broken off contract talks after several weeks of discussions, and the tight end now is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
What's still developing
- Barring a significant breakthrough, LaPorta is set to be a free agent in 2027 and would become one of the top free agents regardless of position.
- Through three games and playing about 90% of Detroit's offensive snaps, LaPorta has 14 catches for 144 yards while blocking at a high level.
- Tight ends in their prime almost never get to the free agent market, and LaPorta would be a rarity.
- But LaPorta, who like Kraft is represented by agent Jack Bechta, and the Lions were not able to come to terms.
- LaPorta, 25, was a second-round draft selection in 2023 and burst onto the scene as a rookie, hauling in 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and second-team All-Pro nod.
- LaPorta's 2025 campaign came to an abbreviated end after Week 10 due to a back injury, for which he underwent surgery in mid-November.
- Through three games in 2026, LaPorta has put together a 14-144-1 line on 19 targets, ranking third on the team in all four categories behind WR Amon-Ra St.
- TeSlaa caught all three of his targets for 66 yards in the Lions' 31-24 win over the Jets on Sunday.
- LaPorta caught three of four targets for 44 yards in Sunday's 31-24 win over the Jets.
- TeSlaa caught two passes (on five targets) for 26 yards during the Lions' 41-31 loss to the Bills on Thursday.
- The chances of tight end Sam LaPorta hitting free agency next year are reportedly looking a little better.
- The team could also use the franchise tag to hold onto LaPorta, so it’s not a sure thing that he’ll be talking to other teams come March.