Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta didn’t hide how he feels about his contract situation when he appeared on the “Pardon My Take” NFL podcast.
His frustration comes after reports said LaPorta’s camp and the Lions have put extension talks on hold during the regular season. And while he clearly understands the business side, he also made it plain that he feels the value of his work has not been fully recognized.
“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport we play, it sucks. It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt," LaPorta explained.
"Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I break my f***ing back for this team. And then I’m going out there this year, and I’m ballin.
And maybe they’re just not showing the love.”
LaPorta also pointed to the work he’s done as a blocker, which has helped power Detroit’s run game. He has previously talked about how difficult it is to handle defensive ends who are much bigger than he is, and that piece of his game has become part of the larger discussion around his next contract.
For now, Detroit still has options. The team can use the franchise tag on LaPorta for the 2027 NFL season, though general manager Brad Holmes has not done that yet. If negotiations never land where the Lions want them, that path remains on the table.
And if LaPorta keeps producing at his current level, the price tag could climb fast. A deal could push north of $20 million per year, especially with the top of the tight end market already sitting near that range. George Kittle leads the group at $19.1 million, followed by Trey McBride at $19 million and Tucker Kraft at $18.75 million.
Detroit’s cap situation gives the team some room, but not without complications. The Lions may still need to commit major money to a cornerback, and there is also the question of what they will have to allocate for safety Brian Branch.
LaPorta, though, sounds ready to keep rolling either way. He said he intends to keep playing at a high level, and if that leads him out of Detroit, he’s prepared for that too.
As LaPorta explained, “So 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."
Tucker Kraft is scheduled to visit Ford Field this weekend when the Lions host the Week 7 matchup.
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