LaPorta says he may leave Lions without new contract

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta said he is frustrated that the team has not agreed to a contract extension and could play elsewhere after this season, making clear he expects to seek a new deal if he leaves Detroit. LaPorta made the comments on the Pardon My Take podcast, connecting his frustration to the physical risks of the sport and a back injury that ended his 2025 season. He said he had put himself at risk for the Lions and felt the team might not be showing him enough appreciation. He added that he would continue playing and that, if he no longer wore Detroit’s uniform after the season, he would be comfortable getting paid elsewhere. The tight end is playing the 2026 season on the final year of his rookie contract. Without a new agreement, he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. His remarks do not establish that negotiations have formally ended or that the Lions have made a particular offer; no extension has been announced. LaPorta said on October 7 that talks were at a stalemate and that his agent, Jack Bechta, was handling discussions with the team’s front office. Lions coach Dan Campbell responded that day by saying the team loves LaPorta...