Sports · American Football · 3 hrs ago
Sam LaPorta says he may leave Lions without a contract extension
Sam LaPorta has publicly voiced frustration that the Detroit Lions have not offered him a contract extension.
The tight end is playing the final season of his four-year rookie deal and is set to become a free agent in 2027.
He says he may sign elsewhere if he and the Lions do not reach an agreement.
LaPorta said he has played through the risks of football and felt he was not being rewarded, including after a serious back injury ended his 2025 season.
He has been a key part of Detroit's offense since joining the team in 2023 and was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
His comments come after extension talks reportedly stalled earlier this month, though he says he will keep playing professionally.
A deal could come from Detroit or another team before he enters free agency, but the sources do not say whether negotiations will resume.
Sam LaPorta said he would be willing to leave the Detroit Lions and sign elsewhere if he does not get a contract extension.
The tight end made the comments on the Pardon My Take podcast on Oct. 21, 2026.
LaPorta is playing the final season of his rookie contract and is set to become a free agent in 2027.
He said he was frustrated that the Lions had not rewarded him with an extension after he played through the risks of the sport and a serious back injury.
LaPorta said he would continue to play professionally while his agent handled the contract situation.
- Who
- Sam LaPorta, tight end for the Detroit Lions.
- What
- He said he would be willing to play for another team if the Lions do not give him a contract extension.
- When
- Oct. 21, 2026; he is set to become a free agent in 2027.
- Where
- On Barstool's Pardon My Take podcast.
- Why
- He is frustrated that the Lions have not given him an extension, despite his contributions and the risk of injury.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
LaPorta described contract-extension talks as being at a stalemate and said he was not focused on becoming the NFL's highest-paid tight end.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the sides had broken off talks.
LaPorta said on the Pardon My Take podcast that he would be willing to play elsewhere if he did not get a Lions extension.
- Current contract
- Final season of a four-year, $9.47 million rookie contract
- Free agency
- Set to become a free agent in 2027
- Season totals
- 27 receptions, 316 yards and three touchdowns
- 2023 playoff run
- 21 catches on 27 targets for 176 yards and one touchdown
2 sources
What people are saying
I'm going to continue to do my thing and ball out, 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. So whatever.
I break my f-----g back for the team, and then I'm going out there this year, and I'm balling, and maybe they're not showing the love.
Posts on X
#Lions TE Sam LaPorta on not getting a contract extension: “It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, I broke my f—ing back for the team. And then I’m going out there this year and I’m balling, and maybe they’re just