Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta said he is prepared to move on if the team does not offer him a new contract after this season.
Speaking Wednesday on the Pardon My Take podcast, the 25-year-old described the current situation as frustrating after he has played through the physical risks of the position.
“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport that we play, it sucks,” LaPorta said.
He pointed to his 2025 season-ending back injury and his production this year as reasons he feels undervalued.
“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 fucking back for the team. And then I’m going out there this year, and I’m ballin’, and maybe they’re just not showing the love. So it sucks.”
LaPorta is in the final year of the four-year, roughly $9.5 million rookie contract he signed after the Lions selected him in the second round of the 2023 draft. Extension talks between the sides reportedly broke off earlier this month.
He made clear he will keep producing and is comfortable with free agency if necessary.
“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,” LaPorta said.
Through five games in 2026, LaPorta has 27 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns. He is averaging 63.2 yards per game and ranks among the top tight ends in the league in scoring.
Those numbers continue a strong early career. In 2023 he set a then-rookie record for a tight end with 86 catches, 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. He followed that with 60 catches for 726 yards and seven scores in 2024.
His 2025 campaign ended after nine games and 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns. He fully herniated a disc in his back against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 9 and underwent surgery later that month, missing the rest of the year.
The Lions enter Week 7 at 3-2. LaPorta has been a consistent contributor in the passing game and as a blocker.
Coach Dan Campbell has repeatedly praised LaPorta’s effort and production this season, including calling one of his recent outings among his best of the year and highlighting his versatility.
The tight end market has risen in recent years. George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers leads the position at $19.1 million per year, followed by Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals at $19 million and Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers at $18.75 million on a four-year deal worth up to $92 million.
If no long-term agreement is reached, the Lions hold the option of the franchise tag for 2027. The non-exclusive tag for tight ends was set at $15.045 million in 2026 and is projected higher next year.
LaPorta has said he is leaving the negotiations to his agent, Jack Bechta, while focusing on the field. With roughly half the season remaining, his continued production will shape both the Lions’ options and his potential market value.
