Overview
- LaPorta told the Pardon My Take podcast on Oct. 20 that he is frustrated the Lions are “not showing the love” after he returned from back surgery and warned he will “go get paid somewhere else” if no deal is reached.
- Multiple reports say LaPorta and the Lions paused extension talks earlier in October and there has been no substantive negotiation update since the break in talks.
- LaPorta is playing the final season of his rookie deal and has produced strongly after surgery, with 27 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns in five games this year, which has boosted his market value.
- Detroit’s front office and coach Dan Campbell have publicly praised LaPorta and said they want him long term, but Campbell became visibly agitated during media sessions about the topic and walked out of a press conference this week when reporters pressed him.
- If talks stay stalled the Lions can use the franchise tag or let LaPorta reach free agency next March, a choice that will be shaped by Detroit’s salary cap priorities and other young-player extensions and that would determine LaPorta’s financial security and family planning.