The Detroit Lions had some concerns at the tight end position entering the offseason after Sam LaPorta only appeared in nine games due to a major back injury. With that said, the team's decision-making in the NFL Draft was a sign of its confidence in LaPorta and why he could be in line to receive an extension.
When speaking with the media on Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbell kept it brief when asked if LaPorta is trending like he will be ready for the start of training camp. "We like where he's going. He's trending the right way."
Not only does it sound like LaPorta is on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, but NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport mentioned on "The Insiders" how that could also point to a big contract extension this summer.
It would have been understandable if the Lions were a little cautious with LaPorta due to the fragile nature of back injuries, but his talent speaks for itself, and it sounds like Detroit is going to do everything it can to ensure he remains in the Motor City for a while.
Sam LaPorta could be due for a contract extension soon
Although LaPorta has yet to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark, he had 889 yards and 10 TDs in his rookie season and followed that up with 726 yards and seven TDs in Year 2. Again, the back injury limited him to only nine games in 2025, but when he was on the field, LaPorta amassed the fourth-most receiving yards (489) and three TDs, all while averaging a career-high 12.2 yards per catch.
According to Pro Football Focus, LaPorta still had the second-best overall grade (82) out of 37 qualified TEs despite being limited due to the injury. Additionally, his receiving grade (83.2) was fourth, and he generated 273 yards after the catch. His 40 receptions, meanwhile, came on 45 targets and he committed zero drops, all of which highlight his ability to create space, protect the ball, and open up the field for quarterback Jared Goff.
That type of success, in addition to new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing taking over, should position LaPorta for another impressive season, especially when you consider how the former Arizona Cardinals OC was able to utilize Trey McBride and turn him into one of the top TEs in the league.
At this point, it is fair to wonder what LaPorta's extension will look like, a lot of which will depend on how long the Lions decide to wait until they make their move. When fully healthy, LaPorta has shown that he is more than worthy of a hefty contract extension, but the injury definitely could play a role depending on the timing of the contract and how he looks as he gets more up to speed.
The Lions have had a tendency under Campbell to reward their stars and keep them around. Look no further than linebacker Jack Campbell, whom they signed to a four-year, $81 million extension last month. That should set the stage for the Lions to reward their TE as well, since it is only a matter of time until his price goes up.
Wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is understandably receiving a lot of hype after making some flashy plays in his rookie season. While he should be expected to take a leap in Year 2, LaPorta has put enough out on the field in his first three seasons to suggest he should pick back up where he left off, assuming he returns to full strength.
The Lions have already shown how much they believe in him through the moves they did not make in the draft. With some increased optimism that he should be ready to go for the upcoming season, it is time for the Lions to reward him and keep him in town for years to come.
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