Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is voicing frustration over his lack of a contract extension, telling Barstool's "Pardon My Take" podcast that the team is "not showing the love" and that he would be fine playing elsewhere in 2027.
"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," LaPorta said. "I'll go get paid somewhere else. So whatever."
LaPorta is playing out the final season of his rookie contract and is set to become a free agent in 2027. His tone was less diplomatic than earlier this month, when he described extension talks as at a stalemate and said he wasn't focused on becoming the NFL's highest-paid tight end. Those comments followed an Oct. 4 report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that the two sides had broken off talks.
In the interview, LaPorta also pointed to the physical toll of the job, including a season-ending back injury he suffered in 2025. "It's disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt," he said. "I break my 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."
A 2023 Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro as a rookie, LaPorta has 27 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing