The Detroit Lions have had a draft, develop, and extend approach in the Brad Holmes era. They have done an excellent job identifying talent, turning them into Pro Bowl-caliber players, and keeping them long-term. This continued this offseason as they gave Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell new contracts that will keep them in Detroit for the foreseeable future.
Sam LaPorta, who is also eligible for an extension, is still waiting for his turn. The wait finally got to him during the bye week. In his appearance on Pardon My Take, the talented tight end voiced his frustration with the organization. He said that he broke his back for this team last season and he is still out there balling this season, but the Lions are "just not showing the love."
This caught a lot of fans by surprise. Rarely do we see players publicly come out during the season in this manner. Some were worried that it could be a distraction for the team.
Dan Campbell addresses Sam LaPorta's contract remarks before Week 7
Head coach Dan Campbell addressed these concerns on Friday. In his presser, Campbell said, "I know Sam. We all know Sam. Honestly, I don't even think twice about those comments because I know what he's about," according to The Athletic's Colton Pouncy. He added that even though it may seem like a distraction to the outside world, it's certainly not one in the building.
This is hardly surprising. LaPorta is a consummate professional, and he will continue to be one of the most reliable tight ends in the league regardless of his contract situation.
This sentiment was shared by offensive coordinator Drew Petzing on Thursday. Petzing highlighted LaPorta's value to the team and added that he has been the same person every day.
The 25-year-old tight end has every right to be frustrated with the front office. Before the start of the season, it may have been understandable that the Lions wanted to see how he looked following his back injury. But it has been clear by now that LaPorta is still the same player. He has been trending in the right direction, putting up 13 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns over the last two weeks.
Of course, the Lions have financial concerns to consider. They still have to make a decision on Brian Branch. Once they pay him, they will simply have too many high-salaried starters, hurting their financial flexibility. Could they decide to sacrifice LaPorta, whom they possibly see as not crucial for their offensive success?
There are multiple ways this can go. The Lions can franchise-tag him and keep him around for another year. They could trade him before he hits free agency. He could hold out and make things hard on the team. Or the Lions could just pay him what he deserves.
Regardless of what happens, it sounds like LaPorta will continue to be a key member of this team. If the Lions are going anywhere this season, they will need their star tight end to be locked in.
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