NFL2 hours ago2 minute read

Detroit Lions and Sam LaPorta halt contract negotiations

Contract talks between the Detroit Lions and star tight end Sam LaPorta have broken off, meaning any new deal will wait until the offseason.

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Negotiations put on hold

The Detroit Lions and star tight end Sam LaPorta have ended their contract talks. The two sides spent the first few weeks of the season trying to agree on a long term deal. After a final push on Friday and Saturday failed to produce an agreement, they decided to put negotiations on hold.

LaPorta wants to focus on the field for the rest of the season. Any further talks about a new contract will now wait until the offseason. Unless there is a major breakthrough, the 25 year old is on track to become a free agent in 2027.

LaPorta back at full strength

LaPorta had a stellar rookie year in 2023, catching 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. That performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and second team All Pro honors.

His second season in 2024 was solid, but it was cut short. He missed the final eight games of last year due to a fully herniated disk that required surgery.

He has shown he is healthy again this year. Through three games, LaPorta has played about 90 percent of Detroit's offensive snaps, recording 14 catches for 144 yards while delivering high level blocking.

Looking to the future

LaPorta hoped to secure a major deal similar to Tucker Kraft's recent four year, 75 million dollar contract with the Green Bay Packers. Both players share the same agent, Jack Bechta.

The Lions wanted to make LaPorta one of the highest paid tight ends in the league. While they could still try again in the future, or use the franchise tag, a deal during this season is now unlikely.

Detroit has already locked up several of its other star players. The team recently signed Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, and Kerby Joseph to lucrative long term extensions.

What it means for the next game

Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers (NFL, Mon, 05 Oct): Carolina Panthers win 36%, Detroit Lions win 64%; projected score Carolina Panthers 24, Detroit Lions 28. Our safest pick: Over 44.5 points.

Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Arizona Cardinals win 31%, Detroit Lions win 69%; projected score Arizona Cardinals 23, Detroit Lions 29. Our safest pick: Lions to win.