Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta expressed disappointment about the lack of progress toward a contract extension as he plays out the final year of his rookie deal.
"It's disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt," LaPorta said on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, per The Detroit News' Nolan Bianchi. "You know, like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, you know, I break my f-----g 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."
LaPorta missed the final eight games of the 2025 campaign due to a herniated disc.
The 25-year-old revealed earlier in October that contract talks had reached a "stalemate," according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. The standout tight end is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has expressed a desire to re-sign LaPorta and fellow 2023 draftee Brian Branch.
LaPorta has hauled in 27 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 11.7 yards per catch through five games.
It's unclear if the two sides will resume negotiations during the season. While LaPorta said he would like to remain in Detroit, the Iowa product understands there's a scenario in which he's wearing a new uniform next season.
"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," LaPorta said, per Bianchi.
Tucker Kraft, Michael Mayer, Brenton Strange, and Darnell Washington are among the tight ends from the 2023 draft who have landed new deals.
LaPorta has 213 receptions for 2,420 yards and 23 touchdowns since the Lions selected him 34th overall in the 2023 draft.
