Lions’ Sam LaPorta Makes Personal Admission About His Contract Situation
Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta has made a personal admission about his stalled contract situation.
LaPorta is in final year of rookie deal in 2026 — 4th year — making $5.675M this season, set to be UFA in 2027 if no extension. Contract talks have not proven fruitful, reports indicate Detroit paused discussions.
On Oct 20 appearance on Barstool’s ” Pardon My Take” podcast, LaPorta got candid:
“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport we play, it sucks,” he said. “It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt. Last year, Week 9, 10, I break 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.”
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.”
LaPorta — 2nd round 2023, 86 catches 889 yards 10 TDs as rookie Pro Bowler, required microdiscectomy for herniated disc in back in 2025 playing only 9 games — has thrived in 2026 comeback averaging career high 63.2 yards per game through five games.
On Oct 24, he clarified with reporters in Allen Park: “My intentions are, I want to play for this team. I want to be here with the Lions… We want to be here… I’m getting emotional about it. I feel bad if there was any sort of distraction to team.”
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Lions expected to wait until after 2026 season to land new contract, could use franchise tag. Decision may depend on also needing to extend fellow 2023 2nd-rounder Brian Branch.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
