The Detroit Lions have made some impeccable moves to lock up core players for multiple years, but one poor decision could cost them dearly.
The Lions have recently signed several star players to long-term deals, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, and former Hawkeye star Jack Campbell. Campbell signed a four-year, $81 million extension after the Lions declined his fifth-year option, solidifying one of their core defensive players. Campbell got his extension, but another teammate and former Hawkeye hasn't been as lucky.
Sam LaPorta and Detroit have reportedly broken off contract talks
Brad Holmes, Detroit's GM, has consistently stressed the importance of building and developing through the draft, with the 2023 class being a primary focus. Gibbs got his deal done, but former Hawkeye tight end Sam LaPorta doesn't have a new deal. LaPorta burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2023 after the Lions selected him with a second-round pick, and although he has been a critical part of the offense, contract talks stalled in the offseason.
During a May episode of "The Pat McAfee Show," NFL Insider Adam Schefter revealed that Detroit had been heavily engaged in contract talks with LaPorta, but all those talks have reportedly gone south.
The Detroit Lions and star tight end Sam LaPorta have broken off contract talks, sources told NFL Network's @RapSheet. https://t.co/cSdCAHC4bR
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 4, 2026
It went from stalled talks to a complete collapse, and it would be a massive blunder for the Lions to let LaPorta hit free agency. Elite tight ends are in high demand in today's NFL, and LaPorta would easily be one of the biggest names on the market. LaPorta is coming off back surgery that kept him out for the final eight games last season, but he's been heavily used early this season. LaPorta has played 90 percent of Detroit's offensive snaps so far and has proven he is fully healthy.
LaPorta has had health concerns in his first four seasons, but when healthy, he is one of the NFL's most productive tight ends. In 42 games, LaPorta has tallied 2,104 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns on 186 receptions, and has become one of Jared Goff's favorite targets. After Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft signed a new four-year, $75 million extension, LaPorta was expected to sign a similar deal, and it didn't happen. Both Kraft and LaPorta are represented by agent Jack Bechta. LaPorta is extremely valuable to the Lions' offense, and it isn't just because of his pass-catching ability.
LaPorta won't stay on the free-agent market long if Detroit doesn't extend him
Since joining the Lions after a successful Iowa career, LaPorta has been extremely valuable in the passing and running game. LaPorta is a big target with soft hands who can catch everything thrown his way, while also serving as a key blocker. With Ben Johnson as their offensive coordinator, the Lions focused heavily on the run game, and it wasn't a coincidence that it succeeded. LaPorta is an elite blocker and isn't solely a pass-catching tight end.
All former University of Iowa tight ends are solid two-way players, and LaPorta is the same. With the tight end market shiting thanks to Kraft's deal, it will take an equal or larger amount for the Lions to extend him. It wouldn't be surprising if LaPorta and the Lions re-opened contract negotiations, but for now, he said is is only focused on his play on the field. If a deal isn't reached and LaPorta hits free agency, the Lions' offense will take a massive hit, and he won't be a free agent for very long.
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