Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta says he is frustrated with the team’s failure to offer him a contract extension, and he made clear in an interview that he is prepared to leave in free agency if the Lions don’t come to terms.
LaPorta, who is playing out the final year of his rookie deal, spoke on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” about the toll the sport takes on players who put their bodies on the line without guaranteed long-term security.
“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport that we play, it sucks,” LaPorta said. “And it’s disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I break my f—ing 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.”
LaPorta added that he’s leaving the contract fight to his agent while he focuses on his play.
“So, it sucks. I’m going to continue to be a pro, and I dish a lot of that to my agent, and he handles that great. …So, I’m going to continue to go do my thing and ball out. 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.”
The remarks come as LaPorta has established himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends. Through five games in 2026, he has 27 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns, ranking fifth among NFL tight ends in receiving yards. He is a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro.
LaPorta’s reference to breaking his back is not a figure of speech. He underwent a microdiscectomy last November to repair a herniated disc. He described the uncertainty of returning to full-contact football afterward.
“I was talking to someone this morning actually about it, and I made the example: In training camp, we got live a little bit, but your teammates are still going to take it easy on you. So, Week 1, you take a couple shots, and you kind of bounce up off the turf like, ‘Oh yeah, I guess I can still do this. I can get smoked, get up and go back in and play like 90% of the snaps or whatever it was.’ So, it’s just kind of an eye-opening moment, but cool to bounce back from that.”
Because LaPorta was a second-round pick, the Lions could not attach a fifth-year option to his rookie contract. That means he would become a free agent in March if the two sides fail to reach a new deal before then.
For now, LaPorta and the Lions are turning their attention to football. Detroit, coming off a bye week, hosts the Green Bay Packers this Sunday in an NFC North matchup against a team currently playing well.
