Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is set to make a lot of money, and he seems to know it.
Whether that’s with the Lions, however, is a different question.
LaPorta appeared on an Oct. 20 episode of the Pardon My Take podcast and said some things Lions fans might not want to hear about his relationship and ongoing contract dispute with the Lions.
“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,” he said on the podcast. “Last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, you know, I break my [expletive] back for the team and them 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 draft, and he showed immediate results, pulling in 86 receptions as a rookie and being named to the Pro Bowl. He was expected to play a big role on the team in the 2025 season but played in only nine games after injuring his back in a Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders.
LaPorta is eligible for a contract extension this year, but the Lions have reportedly paused discussions with LaPorta’s representatives despite the team saying it intends to sign him and safety Brian Branch to long-term extensions. Detroit has options when it comes to LaPorta if the two sides can’t reach a deal, namely a franchise tag, which would keep the tight end in Detroit for 2027.
LaPorta said he will continue to be “a pro” and will let his agent handle discussions, but also acknowledged a possibility where he doesn’t sign an extension with the team.
“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 get paid somewhere else. So whatever.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell addressed LaPorta’s contract situation on Oct. 7, praising LaPorta but also calling the contract negotiations “the last thing on my mind right now.”
“There’s always going to be two sides and you work through these things and just because there’s a report of that doesn’t mean that that’s some big issue, big deal,” he said. “I love LaPorta, we love LaPorta. He’s a heck of a football player, and I thought he played his best game the other day. And so his work ethic, his production speaks for itself.”
LaPorta later that day said he was “optimistic” that a deal with the Lions would get done, but based on his recent statements, that optimism may have waned.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: TE Sam LaPorta says Detroit Lions ‘not showing the love’ amid contract talks
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