Sam LaPorta’s time in Detroit may be coming to an end.
During an appearance on Pardon My Take, he said The lionsThe tight end didn’t hold back when asked about his feelings toward the franchise regarding the ongoing contract negotiations. He described the negotiation process as frustrating and admitted to feeling undervalued.
“It’s frustrating that you go out there every week and carry the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, I was giving my f—ing up for the team. And then I go out there this year, and I’m facing it, and maybe they’re just not showing love,” LaPorta said.
The injury LaPorta was referring to was when he suffered a complete herniated disc in his back during Week 10 of last season. The injury required microdiscectomy surgery that forced him to miss the final eight games of the year.
Drafted by Iowa in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he has quickly established himself as a top offensive center and a trusted target for Jared Goff. Notably, in his rookie season, LaPorta broke the rookie tight end receiving record.
Since entering the league, LaPorta has hauled in 213 receptions for 2,420 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 11.4 yards per reception. When LaPorta is fully healthy, he is currently on pace to record his first career 1,000-yard season.
As it stands, LaPorta is locked out of the next three months of football, but he’s not shying away from his future.
LaPorta reiterated his desire to stay with the Lions, but he also emphasized the business side of the game. If Detroit isn’t willing to match his value, LaPorta has no hesitation in donning a different uniform and pursuing a market-value contract in free agency.
“I’m just going to keep doing my thing and putting the ball away, and in three months, if I’m not wearing the blue of Honolulu and I’m not playing for the Lions, everything will be fine,” LaPorta said. “I’ll go get paid somewhere else. So whatever.”