Detroit Lions, Sam LaPorta cut extension talks with no new contract

Key Points:

• The Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta have paused contract extension talks after weeks of negotiations, with LaPorta’s camp deciding to halt discussions if no deal is reached by four weeks into the season.
• Both sides agreed to delay any new contract until the offseason so LaPorta can focus fully on playing, despite a push for a deal over the past weekend.
• The Lions have a history of in-season extension negotiations and may resume talks later this year, with the potential for LaPorta to become one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.
• This offseason has seen lucrative deals for young tight ends, including Packers’ Tucker Kraft, Raiders’ Michael Mayer, and Falcons’ Kyle Pitts, highlighting the competitive market LaPorta is part of.
• The Lions have already extended two 2023 draft picks but negotiations with LaPorta and safety Brian Branch have been slower, partly due to their recent recoveries from season-ending injuries; if no extension is reached, LaPorta could become a free agent in 2027 or be tagged by the Lions for a projected $17.5 million one-year deal.