Bryan DeArdo· Oct 21, 2026
DeArdo expects Sam LaPorta to land a large contract this offseason, either re-signing with Detroit or cashing in elsewhere, and says he will have a strong market if he reaches free agency.
“As he alluded to, LaPorta will likely have a big payday this offseason, whether it's with the Lions or someone else.”
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- Contract CallsSam LaPortaOct 21, 2026
Sam LaPorta to sign a new deal
“As he alluded to, LaPorta will likely have a big payday this offseason, whether it's with the Lions or someone else. ... As long as LaPorta continues to produce, he will surely have a robust market if he becomes a free agent this offseason.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
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- Rich HribarDepth Chart Calls · Sam LaPortaHit · 92Hribar's 2024 tight end tiers place Sam LaPorta as his overall TE1, followed by Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews and Trey McBride in Tier 1. He also notes McBride will remain a core piece of the Cardinals passing game but faces target competition from rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Tyler ReedTrade and Signing Calls · Sam LaPortaPendingReed explores whether the Bengals could trade for Lions tight end Sam LaPorta before the deadline but concludes such a deal is unlikely, expecting LaPorta to remain in Detroit.
- Joel CorryContract Calls · Sam LaPortaPendingCorry argues Sam LaPorta's camp is aiming to reset the tight end market, sketching a deal around $21.5 million per year — roughly a 12.5% jump over George Kittle's current benchmark — along with new guarantee benchmarks. He also expects Brock Bowers' representatives to push for roughly $30 million per year once he becomes extension-eligible after the 2026 season.
- Evan TarraccianoPositional Finishes · Sam LaPortaPendingIn his Week 7 studs and duds column, Tarracciano projected Quinshon Judkins as a locked-in mid-RB2 going forward, Tee Higgins as a low-end WR1 as long as he's healthy with Joe Burrow throwing, and Sam LaPorta as a TE1 despite volatile weekly usage. He also expected Lamar Jackson back under center for Baltimore in Week 8 against Buffalo.
- Michael David SmithContract Calls · Sam LaPortaPendingSmith writes that LaPorta's strong play this season will earn him a big contract from some team, whether Detroit or elsewhere.
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