Lions interested in extending Sam LaPorta, but there's one issue

The Detroit Lions have locked up the core players on their offense, with Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, and Amon-Ra St. Brown all signed to long-term deals.

Next in line is Sam LaPorta, who could be eyeing a near market-resetting contract when it's all said and done. But do the Lions want to extend him?

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Lions do, as they're interested in a deal. But there's one issue: a new contract might have to wait until the 2026 season gets underway, especially with Tucker Kraft's extension with the Green Bay Packers up in the air.

Lions want to extend Sam LaPorta, but it might not happen for a little while

"If Kraft can get a deal above that $20 million threshold, that sets the stage for Detroit's Sam LaPorta," Fowler writes. "The Lions have interest in extending him, but his situation might carry into the season."

While the Packers and Kraft want to get a deal done before the season begins, with a $20 million per-year mark potentially in play, the Lions might be forced to wait until the season begins to sign LaPorta.

The Pro Bowl tight end is heading into his fourth NFL season and will hit the open market following this year. The Lions need to get a deal done soon; otherwise, they're going to have to franchise tag him to keep him.

With the Lions reportedly interested in an extension, it is reasonable to believe that a deal will get done. It just might not happen before the 2026 season.

MORE: Tucker Kraft is ‘hoping’ to sign record-setting $20M AAV extension with Packers

Instead, it could happen during the year, one of the reasons potentially being the looming extension for Kraft. Will LaPorta take a deal less than what Kraft gets? Maybe not.

If he is willing to take less, then he could sign before Kraft. However, if the Lions TE is trying to reset the market with his first contract extension, then Kraft's new deal will be a good benchmark to follow in his own contract negotiations.

LaPorta caught 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine games last season before missing a large chunk of the season due to injury.

He had 726 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, and 889 yards with 10 TDs in 2023 during his rookie season.

Signing LaPorta to a long-term deal would make a lot of sense for the Lions, and the team is interested in making such a deal. But Fowler believes an extension might have to wait, as these negotiations might last into the regular season.

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