Sam Laporta Floats Leaving Lions Over Contract Dispute

WHO:

Heavy NFL - Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta discussed his contract situation on the “Pardon My Take” podcast.

Newsweek - The Detroit Lions and LaPorta reached a stalemate in contract negotiations, and LaPorta was frustrated.

Pride Of Detroit - LaPorta said he feels financially unsupported; Lions general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have publicly praised him and said they want him with the team long-term.

Pride Of Detroit - Campbell said, “I love LaPorta. We love LaPorta. He’s a heck of a football player,” and praised LaPorta’s work ethic and production.

WHAT:

CBS Sports - LaPorta is in the final year of a four-year, $9.47 million rookie contract and is scheduled to earn $5.78 million in cash earnings this season.

CBS Sports - Spotrac estimates LaPorta’s current market value at a three-year, $45.1 million deal.

CBS Sports - LaPorta has caught 213 passes and 23 touchdowns in 47 regular-season games. During the Lions’ 2023 playoff run, he caught 21 of 27 targets for 176 yards and a touchdown.

CBS Sports - After a back injury sidelined him for the second half of the 2025 campaign, LaPorta returned this season and caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers in Week 5, then five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals.

Heavy NFL - Reports said the Lions and LaPorta had broken off contract talks, with no apparent resolution in sight.

Pride Of Detroit - LaPorta said, “It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt.” He recalled breaking his back for the team and said he was “ballin’” this season, adding, “maybe they’re just not showing the love.”

Pride Of Detroit - LaPorta said he would keep playing well and, if he could no longer play for Detroit, “I’ll go get paid somewhere else.”

Pride Of Detroit - LaPorta said he was leaving contract matters to his agent while focusing on the NFL season.

WHERE:

Pride Of Detroit - LaPorta’s contract dispute concerns his future with the Detroit Lions; he referred to the team’s uniform as Honolulu Blue.

WHEN:

Pride Of Detroit - LaPorta said he broke his back in “Week 9” or “Week 10” of the previous season.

Pride Of Detroit - LaPorta said he might no longer play for the Lions “in three months.”

Pride Of Detroit - The article said it was unclear whether negotiations would resume during the season or be settled in the offseason.

WHY:

CBS Sports - LaPorta’s back injury prompted thoughts about his career ending and contributed to emotional moments during the offseason.

Pride Of Detroit - LaPorta said the combination of emotional strain and the physical risks of football made the dispute upsetting; he cited playing through injury without feeling financially supported.

HOW:

Pride Of Detroit - The sides’ extension negotiations stopped after they were no longer productive; LaPorta confirmed they had reached a stalemate, and his agent was handling the contract discussions.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta says his contract negotiations with the team have reached a stalemate, leaving him frustrated and feeling financially unsupported. Speaking on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, LaPorta said he takes the risk of injury every week and recalled breaking his back while playing for Detroit. He said the physical risks and emotional strain have made the dispute upsetting, though he plans to focus on the season and leave contract matters to his agent. LaPorta is in the final year of his four-year rookie deal, which pays $5.78 million in cash this season; Spotrac estimates his market value at about $45 million over three years. He has 213 catches and 23 touchdowns in 47 regular-season games. General manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have praised his play and said they want him in Detroit long-term.