The Detroit Lions held off on signing tight end Sam LaPorta to a contract extension this past offseason. It’s possible they’ll regret that decision when free agency begins in March.
LaPorta had an excellent first two years in Detroit, hauling in 146 passes for 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Pro Bowler, a back injury limited him to 489 yards and three touchdowns in 2025.
Through the first five games of the 2026 season, LaPorta has already matched his touchdown total from last year. He’s been a tremendous weapon in Dan Campbell’s offense, racking up 27 catches for 316 yards.
During an appearance on “Pardon My Take” this week, LaPorta addressed his future in Detroit. Not only did he admit he’s disappointed that he doesn’t have a long-term contract, he made it clear that he’s not afraid to leave the Lions in the offseason.
“It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I break my f—-ng back for this team. And then I’m going out there this year, and I’m ballin’, and maybe they’re just not showing the love,” LaPorta said. “So 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.”
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Lions will have to pay up.
As of this moment, George Kittle and Trey McBride are the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL. While we’re not so sure LaPorta will top their $19 million salaries, he certainly deserves to be in that discussion.
After all, the Las Vegas Raiders gave their No. 2 tight end Michael Mayer a three-year, $45 million contract extension in September. There’s simply no way LaPorta won’t at least match that figure.
If LaPorta continues to perform at an elite level, the Lions will have no choice but to enter a bidding war.
