New NFL Rumors on Sam LaPorta, Lions Failed Contract Talks Ahead of Free-Agency Decision

The Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta have ceased negotiations on a new contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport .

"Barring a significant breakthrough, LaPorta is set to be a free agent in 2027 and would become one of the top free agents regardless of position," Rapoport reported Sunday. "Detroit would also have the franchise tag available."

The NFL insider said the two sides made "a push on Friday and Saturday" to no avail.

The Lions didn't secure a long-term extension for edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson until late October last year. A similar outcome with LaPorta is theoretically possible.

"The Lions continue to negotiate deals in-season and there is, at least, a chance they make another attempt at a deal that would make LaPorta one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends," per Rapoport.

This may instead reflect the fact general manager Brad Holmes has to draw a line in the sand at some point with so many of Detroit's young stars getting pay raises around the same time.

The Lions have nine players earning at least $20 million annually, and quarterback Jared Goff is the only one from that group who wasn't drafted by the Lions. One downside of having a succession of strong draft classes is that a front office will need to hand out a lot of extensions within a short period of time.

Detroit would like to keep LaPorta around. The 2023 Pro Bowler has 14 catches for 144 yards and one touchdown through three games. He has recovered nicely from a herniated disc that ended his 2025 season and then a hip injury that jeopardized his status for the start of this year.

Tight end isn't a premium position, though, and LaPorta hasn't excelled on the field.

One could argue the 25-year-old is at least on the level of Tucker Kraft or Kyle Pitts, who got lucrative deals this summer, but he's not necessarily indispensible to an offense that includes Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

The franchise tag will be an option for the Lions to keep LaPorta around through 2027. In the absence of an agreement on a new multiyear contract, that's probably the likeliest outcome.