Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
When the Detroit Lions used the 34th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Sam LaPorta, a tight end out of Iowa, they couldn’t have imagined how well it would work out.
In his rookie season, LaPorta caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns and was named second-team All-Pro. While his numbers tapered off in the two seasons to follow, LaPorta is still a major weapon in the Lions’ offense.
Now, he’s up for a contract extension, and LaPorta isn’t at all happy that the team hasn’t found a way to make a new deal come together.
#Lions TE Sam LaPorta on not getting a contract extension:
“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 not showing the love.
“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.”
(via @PardonMyTake)
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 21, 2026
Sam LaPorta Has No Concerns About Leaving The Detroit Lions
LaPorta appeared on the Barstool Sports “Pardon My Take” show on Wednesday and was asked about his current contract status. While some players may take the diplomatic approach, that’s not what LaPorta opted to do.
“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,” LaPorta said.
“And then I’m going out there this year and I’m balling, and maybe they’re just not showing the love,” he added. “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.”
Yikes. You can’t blame LaPorta for being frustrated. He’s on pace for 97 catches, 1,138 yards, and 11 touchdowns this season. Those are All-Pro-type numbers. So you’d think Detroit would be doing everything in its power to sign him to a long-term contract.
But it doesn’t sound like that’s the case. And if a deal doesn’t get done, LaPorta sounds perfectly content to go play somewhere else.