Michael David Smith· Oct 21, 2026
Smith writes that LaPorta's strong play this season will earn him a big contract from some team, whether Detroit or elsewhere.
“Other teams are seeing how LaPorta is playing, and some team is going to pay him.”
published in writing · NBC Sports · read the original →
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- Contract CallsSam LaPortaOct 21, 2026
Sam LaPorta to sign a new deal
“Other teams are seeing how LaPorta is playing, and some team is going to pay him.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Rich HribarPlayer Season Numbers · Sam LaPortaClose · 49Hribar published full statistical projections and fantasy rankings for 500+ players for the 2024 NFL season, ordering quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends by projected fantasy points and projecting individual passing, rushing and receiving lines.
- 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.
- Bryan DeArdoContract Calls · Sam LaPortaPendingDeArdo 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.
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