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The Detroit Lions are entering training camp with multiple extension-eligible players, including fourth-year tight end Sam LaPorta.
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LaPorta has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL since joining the Lions in 2023 as a second-round pick. The Iowa product was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season after tallying 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 86 catches. He followed that up with 726 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024.
However, back surgery caused LaPorta to miss eight games in 2025, and though he’s fully cleared for camp next week, the injury has made his contract situation a tricky one for the Lions. LaPorta will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason, and there haven’t been many discussions on a long-term extension for the young tight end up to this point.
Though LaPorta is entering the final year of his deal with Detroit, not many are paying close attention to the storyline, as most are focused on superstar running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ possible extension. The Lions picked up Gibbs’ fifth-year option earlier this offseason, but the three-time Pro Bowler is still in line for a mega contract that will likely reset the running back market.
Detroit should look to get a deal done with Gibbs soon to lock up their offensive engine for the foreseeable future, but there’s a case to be made that LaPorta’s contract is a more pressing matter.
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Gibbs’ Extension is Inevitable, but LaPorta Faces More Uncertainty
Nothing is for certain in the NFL, but it’s pretty safe to assume that the Lions will sign Gibbs to a multi-year extension in the near future. Due to the fifth-year option, Detroit will also have time to negotiate a new deal with Gibbs next offseason, as he is under contract until 2028.
On the other hand, the Lions are on the clock with LaPorta, with his free agency looming in the spring. Obviously, LaPorta needs to turn in a productive 2026 campaign to prove he deserves a new contract, but whenever the 25-year-old has been on the field, he’s been a reliable playmaker for quarterback Jared Goff.
LaPorta has proven his worth to the Lions, and he still has room to improve. If the 6-foot-3 tight end posts a bounce-back season, general manager Brad Holmes better be ready to open his checkbook. Spotrac currently projects LaPorta’s next contract to be worth $18.4 million annually. That number could exceed $20 million if Detroit waits until after the season to extend LaPorta.
Overall, Gibbs landing an extension from the Lions is inevitable, so there shouldn’t be much panic with him. However, things could get dicey with LaPorta. With the star tight end unlikely to receive a new contract before the season kicks off in September, we could be heading towards an offseason of tough negotiations and franchise tag rumors for LaPorta, unless a deal is struck during the season.
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This story was originally published July 26, 2026 at 6:49 AM.