Latest Lions and Sam LaPorta break off extension talks
☁ 64°F Partly Cloudy · Detroit
DETROIT, MI · METRO DETROIT EDITION · MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026
HERE City Network
HEREDetroit
Why It Matters. HERE!
Sports

Lions and Sam LaPorta break off extension talks

Published October 5, 2026 at 8:27 am | By Rene Hines, Staff Reporter

The Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta have stopped contract-extension talks with no new deal.

The sides broke off negotiations after a weekend of talks so LaPorta could focus on football and fully focus on the field.

If there is no long-term deal, LaPorta can become an unrestricted free agent, and the Lions could keep him with the franchise tag.

HERE CITY BUSINESS DIRECTORYOwn a business in Detroit? Get listed HERE.Free basic listing. Premium features available.
ADD YOUR BUSINESS →

General manager Brad Holmes has said he hopes to extend LaPorta, in line with other top picks from the 2023 draft. Jack Campbell and Jahmyr Gibbs already have new deals. Talks have also dragged for safety Brian Branch.

Packers tight end Tucker Kraft signed a four-year extension. Other dollar figures for recent tight-end deals differ across reports and are not restated here.

What's Happening
What happened with Sam LaPorta's contract talks?
The Lions and LaPorta stopped extension talks with no new deal after a weekend of negotiations.
Why did talks stop?
So LaPorta could focus on football and fully focus on the field.
What options remain if there is no long-term deal?
He can become an unrestricted free agent, and the Lions could use the franchise tag.
Rene Hines
HEREDetroit · SPORTS

Rene is a staff reporter for HERE Detroit covering local news, community stories, and developments across Wayne County. Rene is committed to accurate, community-first journalism.

Contact Rene
HEREmention Get Your Business Found in AI BE THE ANSWER. When customers ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google AI who to hire — your name comes up. Learn More
HERE City Network

Sports Across Michigan

Explore sports coverage from other HERE cities across the Great Lakes State.