Published October 21, 2026 02:56 PM
The contract stalemate between the Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta has LaPorta thinking he might be elsewhere next season.
LaPorta says it’s frustrating that after putting it all on the line for his team, including a season-ending back injury last year, he still doesn’t have a contract beyond this season.
“I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport that we play, it sucks,” LaPorta said on Pardon My Take. “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 fucking back for the team. And then I’m going out there this year, and I’m ballin’, and maybe they’re just not showing the love. So it sucks.”
LaPorta knows that after this season the Lions will have to either pay him or let him test free agency, and either way he thinks he’ll be doing well.
“I’m going to continue to do my thing and ball out, and 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. So, whatever,” LaPorta said.
Lions coach Dan Campbell has praised LaPorta this year for how well he’s playing, so LaPorta isn’t letting his frustrations affect his ability to keep playing at a high level. And that’s smart: Other teams are seeing how LaPorta is playing, and some team is going to pay him.