Sam LaPorta shares disappointment in Lions for lack of extension: 'Break my f---ing back for the team'

Sam LaPorta, the top tight end for the Detroit Lions, is not happy with his franchise as he still awaits a contract extension.

And its gotten to the point where he insinuated, with expletives included, that he doesnt mind finding a new NFL home in three months.

LaPorta is in the final year of his rookie contract, and despite developing into one of the best players at his position in the league, and more importantly one that helps the Lions high-octane offense function, he hasnt received an extension.

The Iowa product made an appearance on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take," where he was blunt about how he feels regarding his contract situation.

"I think the combination of getting your heartstrings twisted as well as the violent sport that we play, it sucks," LaPorta explained to the crew. "And its disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt. "Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I break my f---ing back for the team. And then Im going out there this year, and Im balling, and maybe theyre just not showing the love.

"So, it sucks. Im going to continue to be a pro, and I dish a lot of that to my agent, and he handles that great. …So, Im going to continue to go do my thing and ball out. And in three months, if I dont get to wear the Honolulu Blue and play for the Lions anymore, its going to be all good. Ill go get paid somewhere else."

LaPorta has hauled in 27 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns through five games thus far in 2026. Hes fifth in the NFL in receiving yards for tight ends, and the Lions are coming off their bye week.

Hes a Pro Bowler, a second-team All-Pro, and like he said, he literally broke his back for the Lions.

THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!

LaPorta underwent a microdiscectomy to repair a herniated disc in his back this past November.

"I was talking to someone this morning actually about it, and I made the example: In training camp, we got live a little bit, but your teammates are still going to take it easy on you. So, Week 1, you take a couple shots, and you kind of bounce up off the turf like, Oh yeah, I guess I can still do this. I can get smoked, get up and go back in and play like 90% of the snaps or whatever it was.

"So, its just kind of an eye-opening moment, but cool to bounce back from that."

Basically, LaPorta is implying that the surgery went well and hes proving that the back injury shouldnt be anything to worry about, if in fact the Lions are.

As a second-round pick, the Lions were not able to add a fifth-year option to LaPortas rookie deal, meaning he would be a free agent come March if no deal were to get done.

In the meantime, LaPorta will prepare with his Lions teammates for an NFC North matchup with a hot team at home on Sunday.