ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is currently focused on the 2026 season but acknowledged for the first time after Wednesday's practice that he has broken off contract talks on an extension.
LaPorta says he would like to think that he's optimistic about reaching a new deal but is also unsure if things will get worked out before he's set to become a free agent in 2027.
"I don't know if it's truly off the table, but I think there's certainly a stalemate right now and I'm really giving the reigns to my agent Jack Bechta," LaPorta said. "He's been handling it with the front office and all the advice he's given me so far is just that we haven't come to terms yet. That's about it."
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that the Lions and LaPorta have broken off contract talks.
The Lions have been trying to work out a long-term deal with LaPorta for the first few weeks but have yet to agree to terms. After selecting him in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft out of Iowa, the Lions would have the franchise tag available as well.