Former Iowa football TE Sam LaPorta gets candid on Lions contract

Sam LaPorta has been one of the best young tight ends in the NFL since he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2023. His future in Detroit is now in serious question after some recent comments.

The former Hawkeye tight end is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract. Despite being a huge part of the Lions' elite offense, LaPorta has not received a contract extension yet. And it doesn't seem like talks between the two sides are going anywhere.

LaPorta was a guest on "Pardon My Take", a popular Barstool Sports podcast. When asked about contract extension talks with Detroit, LaPorta didn't mince his words.

#Lions TE Sam LaPorta on not getting a contract extension:

“It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, I broke my f—ing back for the team. And then I’m going out there this year and I’m balling, and maybe they’re just… pic.twitter.com/XiLm8Liceq

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 21, 2026

"I think the combination of like getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport that we play, it sucks and it's disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I break my (expletive) back for the team, and then I'm going out there this year and I'm balling and maybe they're just not showing the love.

"So, it sucks. I'm going to continue to be a pro and I dish a lot of that to my agent and he handles that great. Jack Bechta has handled your buddy George (Kittle) as well as a lot of other guys. So, I'm going to continue to go do my thing and ball out. In three months, if I don't get to wear the Honolulu blue and play for the Lions anymore, it's going to be all good. I'll go get paid somewhere else," LaPorta said.

LaPorta has 213 receptions for 2,420 yards and 23 touchdowns across 47 career NFL games. He was named a second-team All-Pro as a rookie after catching 86 passes for 889 yards and ten touchdowns. Through five games this season, LaPorta has 27 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns. He's bounced back nicely after a back injury limited him to nine games in 2025.

As a Hawkeye, LaPorta had 153 receptions for 1,786 yards and five touchdowns in 46 games. He was taken in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Lions. Now it appears that his time in Detroit could be dwindling.

If LaPorta hits free agency, there's going to be a ton of interest from other NFL franchises. The 25-year-old has a lot of tread left on his tires.