The Detroit Lions and Sam LaPorta are reportedly stepping away from contract extension talks for now, putting the star tight end on a path that could make him one of the NFL’s biggest names on the open market in 2027.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that “Barring a significant breakthrough, LaPorta is set to be a free agent in 2027 and would become one of the top free agents regardless of position. Detroit would also have the franchise tag available. The Lions continue to negotiate deals in-season and there is a chance they make another attempt at a deal that would make LaPorta one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.”
LaPorta isn’t the only key Lion without a new deal. Safety Brian Branch also remains without a contract extension, and Detroit has not leaned heavily on the franchise tag in recent seasons.
Still, this is a front office that has been aggressive about keeping its core together. General manager Brad Holmes and the Lions have handed out several extensions to draft picks, with more than a billion dollars paid out in contract extensions since 2021.
Detroit has also created more financial flexibility recently by restructuring the contracts of Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Elsewhere on the roster front, the Lions had previously been linked to a possible trade for Joey Porter Jr. after reports surfaced that he had requested a trade. That move never came together, leaving Detroit potentially in position to pursue another deal before the deadline.
The team has also made a change on offense, converting Jackson Meeks to a tight end. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said this week that the adjustment has not overwhelmed Meeks, though there is still plenty for him to learn.
“I think in terms of where it's going to go, a lot of that's going to be decided by him and how he goes out there and performs both mentally and physically. But was pleased, as you said, new position, new role, first time with the lights on," said Petzing.
"Thought it wasn't too big for him. Thought he went in there and competed.
There are always going to be things, 'Hey, we can clean this up a little bit. Are your eyes in the right place here?
Make sure you're getting to these spots on your routes.' But I thought he did a nice job.”
In Other News...
Panthers Hit With New NFL Discipline Right Before Lions Game
The Panthers are dealing with a little added noise before their matchup with the Lions, as the NFL handed down fines to three Carolina players for penalties committed in Week 3 against Cleveland. A.J. Dillon was fined for a facemask, Lee Hunter for unsportsmanlike conduct tied to taunting, and Thomas Incoom for unnecessary roughness involving helmet use.
None of the three was suspended, so Carolina will still have its full group available when it lines up against Detroit. Even so, the discipline serves as a reminder that the league is watching closely, and the Lions will face a Panthers team trying to keep its edge without letting the extra attention spill into Sunday. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Suddenly Face A Sam LaPorta Question They Couldn't Settle
The Lions and Sam LaPorta have hit pause on contract-extension talks after several weeks of negotiations failed to produce a deal, a familiar sort of detour for a franchise that has not shied away from working on its own timeline. LaPortas side decided to step back for now so the tight end can stay focused on the season, leaving open the possibility that the conversation picks up again once the games are over.
For Detroit, the situation turns one of its most important young pieces into an offseason question again, even if the door is not closed. The team has a history of handling contracts during the season, and it would not be a surprise if it tries again to keep LaPorta in place long term, especially with the chance that any agreement could land him among the leagues highest-paid tight ends. [Read more 🡒]
Isaac TeSlaa Has A Real Chance To Build On Last Week
Isaac TeSlaa finally gave the Lions a glimpse of what he can add to the passing game last week, finishing with four catches for 66 yards against the Jets. For a second-year receiver still trying to carve out a steadier role, it was the kind of outing that can change how a coaching staff looks at the depth chart from one week to the next.
The next opportunity looks even more inviting against Carolina, which has already lost two starting cornerbacks to injured reserve. With Detroit likely looking to keep feeding TeSlaa after his uptick in involvement, betting analyst Drew Ellis is expecting him to top his receiving total from last week, a sign that this might be more than a one-game spike for a young player trying to force his way into the offense. [Read more 🡒]