ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta told reporters Friday at the team facility in Allen Park, Mich., that he wants to remain with the team, two days after remarks he made on a podcast about his stalled contract talks set off a round of speculation.
LaPorta, 25, said he felt bad about any distraction his words caused his teammates and coaches, but he stopped short of saying he regrets them. He explained that the issue is security for his family, as he and his wife are expecting their first child, a girl, in the coming months. He declined to say what is holding up an extension.
His case rests on production. Coming back from back surgery that ended his 2025 season, he has 27 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns through five games. Among the 2023 draft class, he leads all tight ends in receiving yards with 2,420, and four other tight ends from that class have already signed extensions.
Coach Dan Campbell defended him Friday morning, calling him an unselfish player and saying the episode is not a distraction inside the building and that LaPorta has been locked in all week.
The timing matters. The 3-2 Lions open division play Sunday at 4:25 p.m. at Ford Field against the 4-2 Green Bay Packers, the first of six NFC North games. Detroit went 2-4 against division opponents last season, and Minnesota sits atop the North at 5-0.
Section: More Detroit MI sports news
Detroit sports business profiles
Filed under: Detroit MI Sports News
