Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta Contract Talks Take Center Stage After Jahmyr Gibbs Lions Extension

The Detroit Lions have finally struck a deal with running back Jahmyr Gibbs on a long-term extension. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Gibbs' historic contract has a base value of $67.5 million over three years that can reach $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed.

Gibbs is just the latest Lion to receive a lucrative extension from general manager Brad Holmes, who has made locking up his franchise cornerstones a priority. Over the past two-plus years, Holmes has handed out over $1 billion worth of extensions.

However, Holmes still has a few more key contract decisions to make in the foreseeable future with safety Brian Branch and tight end Sam LaPorta.

Branch, LaPorta Could be Next in Line for Lions Extensions

Branch and LaPorta are entering the final year of their contracts in 2026, and there hasn't been much movement on either receiving extensions before the season.

With Branch still recovering from a torn Achilles, it's unlikely the Lions will commit to a long-term deal with him until he returns. But there's no denying that Branch is a difference-maker for Detroit when on the field, as the Alabama product has posted PFF grades of over 77 in each of his first three seasons.

Branch could be back in Detroit's defensive lineup sooner than expected. He's already doing light on-the-field work and could even participate in practice drills as soon as late August or early September. If Branch can look like his usual self when he's back, the Lions should reward him with an extension.

As for LaPorta, the ascending tight end is also coming off an injury, as back surgery kept him out for the final eight games. However, when he's on the field, LaPorta is a dynamic target for quarterback Jared Goff, especially in the red zone, where he's tallied 17 of his 20 career touchdowns.

LaPorta could ink a new contract with the Lions before the season, but if the Iowa product goes into Week 1 without a new deal, we could be headed toward a tricky negotiation involving him and Detroit. With the Lions already investing a ton of money in other offensive playmakers, such as wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and Gibbs, Detroit could be hesitant to re-sign LaPorta to a deal that could reset the market.

However, if LaPorta rebounds in 2026, the Lions will have no choice but to open up their checkbook. They can't let a young, star tight end like LaPorta walk in that case, and the 25-year-old would then become the latest Lions offensive weapon to land a big-time extension.

Overall, LaPorta and Branch are pivotal pieces to the Lions' contending squad, and both should receive well-deserved paydays if they turn in productive 2026 campaigns.