While the Detroit Lions have had success negotiating in-season deals in recent years, they may need to wait until the offseason to settle things with tight end Sam LaPorta.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, LaPorta and the Lions have broken off contract talks after attempting to work out a long-term deal during the first few weeks of the season. The former second-round pick is currently set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
LaPorta, 25, has been among the NFL’s most productive tight ends since entering the league in 2023. He earned a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors during his rookie season, recording 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns over 17 games.
After putting together a solid second season in 2024, LaPorta missed the final eight games last year due to a herniated disk that required surgery. He has played about 90 percent of Detroit’s offensive snaps so far in 2026, catching 14 passes for 144 yards while blocking at a high level.
Tight ends of LaPorta’s caliber rarely reach free agency, especially in their prime. The Green Bay Packers recently made Tucker Kraft the NFL’s third-highest paid tight end by giving him a four-year, $75 million deal. Kyle Pitts and Michael Mayer also landed deals worth at least $15 million annually before the season, showing just how highly the position is valued today.
The Lions have given multiple star players lucrative extensions over the past couple of years, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell. They reportedly made a push to add LaPorta to that list on Friday and Saturday, but after those talks failed to result in a deal, the tight end indicated that he wants to fully focus on football for now.
Detroit does have the franchise tag available, which could give the front office additional time to work out a deal with LaPorta if he does not agree to terms by next spring. The projected 2027 franchise tag cost for a tight end is approximately $17.48 million, per Over The Cap.
In addition to LaPorta, fellow one-time Pro Bowler Brian Branch is also in line for a new payday and eligible for free agency next offseason. The standout Lions safety is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he works his way back from a torn Achilles.
LaPorta and the Lions (2-1) are set for a road matchup with the Carolina Panthers (1-2) on Sunday Night Football. Detroit is coming off a 31-24 victory over the New York Jets, while the Panthers are looking to bounce back from their 21-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.
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