Lions, LaPorta End Contract Talks; Deal Deferred

The Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta broke off long-term contract talks after a Friday-Saturday push failed, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported. LaPorta is in the last year of his rookie deal. Rapoport said that with LaPorta wanting to fully focus on the field, the sides decided any new contract would wait until the offseason, and that a deal is unlikely after they could not agree in the first four weeks. He added the Lions still negotiate in-season and there is a chance of another try at making LaPorta one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends. Barring an extension, LaPorta is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027 and among the top free agents at any position; Detroit would have the franchise tag, projected around $17.5 million. After back surgery, he has 14 catches for 144 yards and one touchdown in 2026. Prior seasons: 86 catches, 889 yards, 10 TDs as a rookie; 60 catches, 726 yards, 7 TDs in year two; 489 yards in nine games in year three. Recent TE deals include Tucker Kraft (4 years, $75M up to $92M), Michael Mayer (3 years, $45M) and Kyle Pitts (3 years, $54M). How close the sides were was not reported.