Overview
- ESPN’s Ian Rapoport reported over the weekend that back-and-forth negotiations between Sam LaPorta and the Lions were broken off, making free agency in 2027 a real possibility.
- Lions coach Dan Campbell on Wednesday said the team is not focused on the contract story and praised LaPorta’s work and production.
- LaPorta has returned from a 2025 season-ending back injury and is performing well in 2026 with 32 catches for 228 yards and two touchdowns in four games.
- Recent market deals raise the price tag for elite tight ends—Green Bay’s Tucker Kraft signed for about $18.75 million per year and Spotrac projects roughly $17.8 million annually for a player like LaPorta—while the franchise tag for a tight end has been estimated near $17.5 million.
- Detroit’s front office must balance that cost against recent big extensions for Jack Campbell and Jahmyr Gibbs plus a priority extension for Brian Branch, which will shape whether the team reopens talks, offers the tag, or lets LaPorta reach free agency.