Former Hawkeye star TE Sam LaPorta is negotiating a new contract with the Detroit Lions, and to say it's not going well is an understatement.
Detroit selected LaPorta in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has been one of Jared Goff's favorite targets. LaPorta's health has been an ongoing issue, but when healthy, he's one of the NFL's most productive tight ends. LaPorta is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract, and after reports surfaced that negotiations have broken down, LaPorta is sounding off on the Lions' organization.
LaPorta didn't hold back his feelings towards the Lions organization during negotiations
Contract negotiations are never pretty, but for a player of LaPorta's caliber, you'd expect it to be easy. At the end of the day, NFL organizations are businesses, and the Lions will make a catastrophic mistake if they let LaPorta walk. The season isn't over yet, and negotiations are ongoing, but they have all but stopped. With the two sides at odds over a new deal, LaPorta didn't hold back when talking about his feelings during the negotiations.
#Lions TE Sam LaPorta on not getting a contract extension:
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 21, 2026
“It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, I broke my f—ing back for the team. And then I’m going out there this year and I’m balling, and maybe they’re just… pic.twitter.com/XiLm8Liceq
LaPorta recently appeared on "Pardon My Take" to discuss his contract, and he didn't hold back. He had season-ending back surgery last season and stated he literally broke his (expletive) back for the team, and they aren't showing him any love. After returning this season, LaPorta has played well and has laid it on the line for the organization. He stated that if he doesn't have a new contract in three months, that's all good, and he'll get paid elsewhere. LaPorta is often less outspoken, and airing his dirty laundry on a popular podcast suggests he has had it with the organization.
While LaPorta has some legitimate points, going on a podcast to air them out probably isn't a good idea, and whatever contract he was hoping to get from the Lions is probably not happening now. LaPorta clearly wanted to be in Detroit, and the organization has completely dropped the ball by letting negotiations get this far. LaPorta has already tallied 315 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns through six weeks, and he isn't looking for a hometown discount.
Although he has not said it directly, LaPorta clearly wants a contract extension similar to the one Green Bay Packers' star tight end Tucker Kraft just got (four-year, $75 million), and they are both represented by the same agent. Detroit isn't budging, and although it hasn't released any contract details for obvious reasons, LaPorta is clearly unhappy. The two sides are at odds, and LaPorta's time in Detroit seems to be coming to a close. If LaPorta hits the free-agent market next offseason, he will be one of the biggest names, regardless of position, and he will get the bag from someone.
A tight end of LaPorta's caliber doesn't come along very often, and he is a proven pass-catcher and blocker for the Lions. The Lions' offense has gone downhill since Ben Johnson left for Chicago, and losing LaPorta is something the organization cannot afford.
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