In a somewhat surprising turn of events, the Detroit Lions and Sam LaPorta couldn't get a deal done before the start of the season. His extension was supposed to be a no-brainer, even with some of his teammates securing big paydays in the past months.
The Lions and LaPorta reportedly ended talks about a potential deal. While that could lead to a trade if both parties aren't close to an agreement, head coach Dan Campbell dismissed all concerns and said they will focus on it in due time.
That said, 'due time' might only drive up his asking price. LaPorta had his best game of the young season in the blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals, and that should be enough to make the Lions come to their senses and pay him what he's worth.
The Lions should stop messing around with Sam LaPorta
With Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing facing off against his old team, LaPorta put up his best Trey McBride impersonation, leading all pass catchers with seven receptions on as many targets for 88 yards and a touchdown.
LaPorta made guys miss, kept finding gaps in the second level of the defense, and was a playmaking machine in this one. It wasn't against a high-end defense by any means, but it was a stern reminder of what he can bring to the table when they get him involved in the passing game.
Over five weeks, LaPorta is up to 27 receptions on 37 targets for 316 yards and three touchdowns. That's equal to 11.7 yards per catch and 63.2 receiving yards per game. Those numbers would probably be more impressive if he didn't share touches with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
LaPorta has been one of the most productive tight ends since he entered the league. There were legitimate durability concerns after he injured his back last season, but he's already shown he hasn't missed a step and is as explosive and healthy as ever now that he's back to full strength.
The Green Bay Packers are paying Tucker Kraft $18.75 million a year in his new contract, so one can only assume that LaPorta's deal will start at $19 million. That's a premium price, but it's just slightly up from the $17.48 million he'd make under the franchise tag.
Also, with Brian Branch trying to secure a contract extension of his own, the Lions should want to keep their options open; maybe tagging him makes more sense. Whatever the case, one thing's for sure: LaPorta is too good and too valuable not to keep around.
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