Sam LaPorta Says He'll Leave Lions If No Extension Deal

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta said he is prepared to sign with another team in 2027 if the club does not extend his contract, telling Barstool's "Pardon My Take" podcast that the Lions are "not showing the love," according to ESPN.

LaPorta is playing out the final season of his rookie contract and is scheduled to become a free agent in 2027, ESPN reported. He has not signed a new deal with Detroit.

What Did LaPorta Say About His Contract Situation?

LaPorta told the podcast he plans to keep performing for Detroit regardless of what happens with his contract talks, but made clear he is willing to leave if no deal materializes.

"I'm going to continue to do my thing and ball out, and in three months, if I don't get to wear the Honolulu blue and play for the Lions anymore, it's going to be all good," LaPorta told "Pardon My Take," according to ESPN. "I'll go get paid somewhere else. So whatever."

The comments mark one of the more direct public statements from LaPorta on his standing with the organization, according to ESPN's report on the podcast appearance.

Why Hasn't Detroit Extended LaPorta Yet?

ESPN's report does not detail the Lions' internal reasoning or a timeline for extension talks. The story establishes only that LaPorta remains unsigned beyond this season and that he is currently playing on his rookie deal, which runs through the 2026 campaign before he reaches free agency in 2027.

No contract figures, counteroffers, or front-office statements from the Lions are included in the available reporting. ESPN's piece is built primarily around LaPorta's podcast remarks rather than a team response.

What Happens If Detroit Lets LaPorta Walk?

If no extension is reached, LaPorta would be eligible to sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent in 2027, per the terms of his rookie contract as described by ESPN. LaPorta's own framing on the podcast suggests he views that outcome as acceptable rather than a worst-case scenario, saying it would be "all good" if he ends up elsewhere.

The ESPN story does not include comment from LaPorta's agent, Lions general manager, or head coach addressing the tight end's remarks or the state of negotiations.

A Timeline Of LaPorta's Contract Status

• Rookie contract era: LaPorta has been playing under his original rookie deal with Detroit, per ESPN.
• Current season (2026): LaPorta enters this season without an extension signed, ESPN reported.
• Podcast remarks (Oct. 21, 2026): LaPorta tells "Pardon My Take" he is not feeling "love" from the Lions on a new deal and would be fine signing elsewhere, according to ESPN.
• Scheduled free agency (2027): LaPorta is set to hit the open market if no extension is completed before then, per ESPN's report.

What Should Lions Fans Watch For Next?

• Whether Detroit's front office responds publicly to LaPorta's comments or opens extension talks before the 2027 league year.
• Any movement on a new deal during the current season, which would keep LaPorta off the 2027 free-agent market.
• How LaPorta's on-field role and usage shift as his contract situation remains unresolved, a storyline ESPN's report leaves open without statistical detail.
• Statements from Lions management, which were not included in the ESPN story and could clarify the team's stance on an extension.

The full ESPN report, including the complete podcast exchange, is available at espn.com.

Where Did LaPorta Make These Comments?

LaPorta's remarks came during an appearance on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast, a show not affiliated with the Lions or the NFL's official media operations, according to ESPN's report, which was credited to multiple ESPN authors and published Oct. 21, 2026. ESPN's story frames the appearance as the venue where LaPorta chose to address his contract status publicly rather than through a team-controlled channel such as a press conference or statement to beat reporters covering the Lions.

ESPN's piece does not indicate whether the Lions were aware in advance that LaPorta planned to discuss the extension on the podcast, nor does it say whether any team representative has since responded to the specific comments. The report's sourcing is limited to the podcast exchange itself, with no additional on-the-record reaction from Detroit's coaching staff, front office, or ownership included in the version of the story reviewed.