EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Detroit Lions and star tight end Sam LaPorta have broken off contract talks, sources told NFL Network, after attempting to work out a long-term deal for the first few weeks of the season.Barring a significant breakthrough, LaPorta is set to be a free agent in 2027 and would become one of the top free agents regardless of position. Detroit would also have the franchise tag available.The Lions continue to negotiate deals in-season and there is, at least, a chance they make another attempt at a deal that would make LaPorta one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.But after LaPorta overcame back surgery and showed that he's healthy this year, the thought is that if a deal is unlikely if it couldn't be agreed to over the first four weeks of the season.Through three games and playing about 90% of Detroit's offensive snaps, LaPorta has 14 catches for 144 yards while blocking at a high level. Tight ends in their prime almost never get to the free agent market, and LaPorta would be a rarity.With LaPorta wanting to fully focus on the field, the sides decided that any new contract would wait until the offseason after a push on Friday and Saturday did not result in a deal.LaPorta had hoped to be the second star tight end to land a new a deal in the last couple months after Tucker Kraft and the Green Bay Packers agreed to a four-year, $75 million contract prior to the season.But LaPorta, who is also represented by agent Jack Bechta, and the Lions were not able to come to terms.LaPorta, 25, was a second-round draft selection in 2023 and burst onto the scene as a rookie, hauling in 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and second-team All-Pro nod. He had a solid second season in 2024 but missed the final eight games of last season because of a fully herniated disk that required surgery.The Lions have signed several of their star players to lucrative long-term extensions over the last two years, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams and Kerby Joseph.
