Sam LaPorta Sends a Clear Message to the Lions After Revealing Contract Frustration

As the Detroit Lions prepare to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at Ford Field, they may have to deal with a new distraction. And no, it’s not the return of Brian Branch or the potential return of Kerby Joseph in the near future. Instead, it’s what Sam LaPorta said during an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast.

LaPorta sat down for a Zoom interview with Barstool Sports hosts PFT Commenter and Dan “Big Cat” Katz. What appeared to be a casual conversation took a more serious turn when LaPorta was asked about his contract negotiations, which stalled before the season began. Here’s what the Lions tight end had to say:

“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 not showing the love.

“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’s comments and tone came across as a clear sign of frustration with the Lions organization. While those feelings may be understandable, this probably wasn’t the ideal time to air them publicly.

Perhaps LaPorta expected the conversation to remain casual, but at the end of the day, it was still an interview. He was asked a difficult question and gave an honest, in-depth response that will likely lead to more questions from the media for him, his teammates and the Lions’ front office.

With Detroit currently sitting in last place in the NFC North and preparing for its first divisional matchup of the season, this is an unwanted storyline for a team that needs to focus on getting back on track.

That said, I understand where LaPorta is coming from, and I believe he deserves to be paid. The Lions’ offense looked significantly different late last season when he was sidelined, and now that he’s healthy again, he has been flourishing.

At just 25 years old, LaPorta is playing out the final year of his rookie contract. Through five games, he has recorded 27 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns. He hasn’t recorded a single drop and has a passer rating of 139.1 when targeted. Those are impressive numbers for a tight end who has already established himself as an important part of Detroit’s offense.

I believe LaPorta will either receive a contract extension or be given the franchise tag after the season. Brad Holmes has generally shown a willingness to retain the major draft picks he has made, making it difficult to envision the Lions simply letting LaPorta walk without exploring their options.

However, Holmes has made difficult decisions before. He traded tight end T.J. Hockenson during the final year of his rookie contract rather than committing to a long-term deal. Hockenson wasn’t drafted by Holmes, which could have played a role in that decision, but it’s still a reminder that Detroit won’t necessarily pay every player who reaches the end of his rookie deal.

If Holmes doesn’t believe a long-term investment in a tight end is the right move, it wouldn’t be entirely shocking to see LaPorta enter free agency without an extension.

Meanwhile, the Packers have already made a significant investment in their own tight end, Tucker Kraft, signing him to a four-year contract worth up to $92 million with incentives. It’s easy to see why LaPorta might look at that deal and wonder why he hasn’t received a similar commitment, especially when he believes his production warrants one.

Ultimately, LaPorta can put this situation behind him by continuing to produce on the field. A strong performance against Green Bay on Sunday would give him another opportunity to demonstrate his value while helping Detroit get back into the NFC North race.

I would love nothing more than to see LaPorta respond with a big game against the Packers. The Lions need their playmakers focused on winning, and LaPorta has every reason to prove just how valuable he is to this offense.