Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was unhappy with the lack of a contract extension as he moves through the 2026 season.
“I think the combination of twisting your heart and the violent sport that we play sucks,” LaPorta said during a Wednesday appearance on Pardon My Take (with Pride of Detroit’s Jeremy Reisman). “It’s disappointing that you go there every week and you run the risk of getting injured. Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I’m breaking my back for this team. And then I go there this year, and I’m playing, and maybe they’re just not showing the love.”
The 25-year-old has already undergone season-ending surgery to repair a complete herniated disc in November 2025.
On October 4, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that LaPorta and the Lions had broken off extension negotiations.
“So I’m going to continue to do my thing and get by, and in three months, if I don’t get to wear the Honolulu Blue and play for the Lions, I’ll be fine,” LaPorta said Wednesday. “I’ll get paid somewhere else. So whatever.”
He is currently playing the final year of his rookie contract.
The 25-year-old had already participated in contract discussions with Detroit on October 7.
“I don’t know if it’s really off the table, but I think there’s definitely an impasse right now and I’m really handing the reins over to my agent Jack Bechta,” LaPorta said at the time, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. “He’s dealt with it with the front office and all the advice he’s given me so far is just that we haven’t come to an agreement yet. That’s about it.”
He was originally selected by the Lions with a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft before putting together a rookie season in which he caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He earned a Pro Bowl nod as well as a second-team All-Pro selection for his efforts.
LaPorta’s production declined slightly the following year, although he still had 60 receptions for 726 yards and seven scores.
He then recorded 489 yards on 40 catches in nine games during his shortened 2025 campaign.
This year, LaPorta ranks fifth among all tight ends with 316 receiving yards through five games. He also found the end zone three times.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff owns a passer rating of 139.1 when targeting LaPorta, according to Pro Football Focus.
Detroit is currently 3-2, but sits in 4th place in the NFC North standings.
As LaPorta looks to help the Lions contend for a playoff spot, he is also looking for a new contract.
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