The Detroit Lions are 2-1 heading into Sunday night's primetime matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Their only loss this season came on the road against the Buffalo Bills in the first game at their new Highmark Stadium. With the Minnesota Vikings undefeated and the Chicago Bears hanging in without Caleb Williams, the Lions can't afford another loss tonight against a Carolina team that's no stranger to playing the underdog.
Unfortunately, they'll now go into the crucial matchup with uncertainty around one of their best players: star tight end Sam LaPorta. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that the Lions and LaPorta have broken off contract talks after trying to work out a new deal for several weeks. Rapoport noted that Detroit can still franchise tag LaPorta after this season, but otherwise he'll become a free agent.
More news: Eagles Make Intriguing QB Decision Hours Before Playing Rams More news: Tyreek Hill Reunion With Chiefs Gets Competition From Surprise NFC Contender LaPorta was the Lions' second-round pick in 2023 out of Iowa and exploded as a rookie, catching 86 passes on 120 targets for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. The problem, and potentially what's holding back negotiations, is that he hasn't returned to that level of play. His production has dropped off the last few seasons, and he was limited to nine games last year after season-ending back surgery.
He was also sidelined briefly in August with an aggravated hip strain during training camp, though he hasn't missed a game this season. Through three games, LaPorta ranks third on the team in receptions (14), receiving yards (144), targets (19), and touchdowns (one). He hasn't had one of the explosive games that made him a breakout star as a rookie, but he's still a crucial piece of the offense and one of the faces of the Lions' resurgence under Dan Campbell.
Elite tight ends are hard to find, and while LaPorta has dealt with injuries, he's already proven to be one of the best in the game. If he hits free agency in 2027, there's a good chance several contenders will pay up to get him. More news: Browns Lose Sack Leader, Former First-Round Pick for Multiple Weeks
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