Lions Pro Bowler has harsh take on team amid stalled contract talks
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is in the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 and will soon be due a lucrative, long-term extension.
Thus far, contract negotiations with the Lions have not proven fruitful, and recent reports indicate that Detroit has paused discussions with LaPorta as he plays out the final season of his deal.
That has left the 25-year-old tight end feeling frustrated, as he acknowledged in a Tuesday, Oct. 20, appearance on the "Pardon My Take" podcast.
"I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport that we play, it sucks and it's disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt," LaPorta explained when asked about his negotiations with the Lions. "Last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, you know, I break my (expletive) 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."
The Lions selected LaPorta in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Iowa product quickly blossomed into a quality playmaker for Detroit. He recorded 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie and was voted into the Pro Bowl for his strong efforts.
LaPorta has continued to be productive since his rookie season, but his 2025 campaign was derailed by his back injury. He required a microdiscectomy to repair a herniated disc in his back and played in just nine games because of the malady.
LaPorta has thrived in 2026 amid his comeback from that injury, and he is averaging a career high 63.2 receiving yards per game through five games to open the season.
And while LaPorta remains frustrated with the lack of progression in contract negotiations, he noted he is going to "continue to be a pro" and let his agent deal with that aspect of his career.
"I'm going to continue to do my thing and ball out," he said. "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."
The Lions will have options about how to approach LaPorta's pending free agency. If they are unable to ink him to a long-term extension, they can place the franchise tag on him.
Detroit's willingness to do that may depend on whether it needs to reserve the tender for star safety Brian Branch, another 2023 second-round pick who is due a contract extension during the offseason.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lions Pro Bowler has harsh take on team amid stalled contract talks