The 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 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 a deal is unlikely considering the two sides couldn't reach an agreement 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 of months after Tucker Kraft and the Green Bay Packers agreed to a four-year, $75 million contract prior to the season.
But LaPorta, who like Kraft is 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 past two years, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams and Kerby Joseph.