Could the Lions Use the Franchise Tag to Navigate Extensions for Sam LaPorta or Brian Branch?
The Detroit Lions have a good problem on their hands - too many young stars deserving of long-term deals. But with a cap sheet that’s starting to feel the weight of success, Detroit may need to get creative. One option firmly in play: the franchise tag.
According to league insiders, the Lions could consider tagging either Sam LaPorta or Brian Branch in 2027. It’s not an ideal move, but it’s a strategic lever the front office might pull as they juggle a growing list of contract extensions.
Four Core Players, Two Fifth-Year Options
Here’s the landscape: Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs are all eligible for extensions this offseason. That’s four cornerstone players from the same draft class, and the clock is starting to tick.
The Lions do have some breathing room with Campbell and Gibbs, thanks to the fifth-year options built into their rookie deals. Those can be exercised to delay long-term negotiations until after the 2026 season. But LaPorta and Branch don’t have that luxury - which makes them potential candidates for the franchise tag in 2027.
The strategy here is pretty clear. Detroit can only tag one player, but that possibility gives the front office a bit of leverage.
If one signs early, the other could be looking at the tag. It’s a subtle bit of roster politics, but it’s the kind of maneuvering that helps keep a contender's core intact.
Tag One, Pay the Other?
This isn’t just about cap gymnastics - it’s about timing and value. If the Lions opt to tag Branch in 2027, they could use that window to lock in LaPorta to a multi-year deal.
Based on current projections, that could mean something in the range of four years, $68 million for the Pro Bowl tight end. Not cheap, but manageable - especially if Detroit continues its trend of front-loading guarantees and back-loading cap hits.
Branch, meanwhile, could be looking at a three-year, $66 million extension down the line, assuming he comes back strong from the Achilles injury that sidelined him in 2025. That’s a big “if,” and it’s part of why he might be the more likely tag candidate. A one-year franchise tender gives Branch time to prove he’s back to full strength, while giving the Lions a little insurance before committing long-term.
LaPorta’s situation is different. His 2025 back injury was concerning, but there’s optimism he’ll be fully ready to go in 2026. If he returns to form, he’s the kind of player you want to get locked in sooner rather than later - especially with the tight end market continuing to climb.
A Test of Roster-Building Strategy
The Lions have built a roster that’s not just talented - it’s tight-knit. There’s a real sense of buy-in from players and coaches alike, and that’s not something you risk lightly. But business is business, and Detroit’s front office has shown they’re not afraid to make tough calls when it comes to managing the cap.
They’ve been smart with their structuring - using lower upfront guarantees and larger options on the back end to stay flexible. That approach could be key here. If they can tag one player and extend the other, they’ll keep two major contributors in the fold without blowing up the books.
The next few months will be telling. Extension talks are coming, and how the Lions handle them - especially with LaPorta and Branch - could shape the future of this team’s core. The franchise tag isn’t always a popular move, but in this case, it might be the tool that helps Detroit keep its window open just a little longer.