As a surprise to none, the Detroit Lions and Jahmyr Gibbs have finally struck a deal. With training camp already underway, the former first-round pick will now be the highest-paid running back in NFL history, one-upping Bijan Robinson with a three-year, $67.5 million contract extension.
This deal comes on the heels of the four-year, $81 million extension they gave Jack Campbell. The Lions have now committed roughly $1 billion to their core players, but they're definitely not done spending big bucks.
Now that Gibbs and Campbell were taken care of, it's time they do right by Sam LaPorta. Brian Branch should also get a new deal soon, but given that LaPorta is back to full strength, it only makes sense that he gets paid first.
The Detroit Lions must give Sam LaPorta a lofty contract extension
If it weren't for his back injury, LaPorta probably would've gotten his deal first. He admitted that he thought he would never play again, but now that he's out there running free and with no limitations, that's all water under the bridge.
Of course, there are always risks associated with signing players coming off season-ending injuries. His back has fully healed, and there was no nerve damage; however, this shouldn't be a lingering issue for him.
LaPorta has done more than enough to earn his next payday. He's amassed at least 480 receiving yards and 49 receptions in every season, and he was well on pace to eclipse his career-high 889 receiving yards before the injury.
Unlike most teams, the Lions have multiple potential franchise players. So, by having to share touches with the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, he rarely gets the credit he deserves.
Nonetheless, LaPorta is one of the most dangerous pass-catching tight ends in the game, a physical mismatch in the open field and the end zone, and a YAC specialist who moves with much more finesse than the average 6-foot-3, 245-pound human.
LaPorta's deal shouldn't be a debate at this point, and it's probably a matter of "when" and not "if" it'll get done. Head coach Dan Campbell hinted at an expanded role for him next season, which is right down Drew Petzing's alley.
The Lions' new offensive coordinator worked wonders with Trey McBride in Arizona, and he'll likely have the team run 13 personnel much more often than his predecessors. That opens the door for more touches and opportunities for LaPorta.
Sam LaPorta isn't the sturdiest or most willing blocker, but his presence draws plenty of defensive attention. Now that his teammates have gotten their deals, it's only right that he gets his due as well.
Add us as a preferred source on Google