The Detroit Lions have transformed into one of the NFL’s most impressive rebuild stories, reaching the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the 2024 season after finishing with a 15-2 record, though their playoff run ended unexpectedly against the Washington Commanders. A key reason for their success has been their dynamic offense, led by emerging young talent like Sam LaPorta, whose projected contract extension is drawing considerable attention.
Sam LaPorta Lions contract projection centers on his rapid rise as a premier pass-catching tight end. After being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, LaPorta secured 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie campaign, followed by 60 catches, 726 yards, and seven touchdowns in his second year. His connection with quarterback Jared Goff and ability to create explosive plays add vital versatility to the Lions’ offensive attack.
Understanding the Current Landscape for Tight End Contracts
The tight end market saw significant shifts with recent contract extensions for Trey McBride and George Kittle, setting the stage for future deals. McBride inked a four-year, $76 million contract with $43 million guaranteed from the Arizona Cardinals, while the San Francisco 49ers secured Kittle on a four-year deal worth $76.4 million with $35 million guaranteed. Both contracts underscore the rising value of the tight end position in the NFL.
If LaPorta continues his strong performance and approaches or surpasses the 1,000-yard receiving mark, his contract could potentially challenge or even surpass these existing records. The structure of guaranteed money will be a deciding factor, as McBride’s deal guarantees the first two years fully, and Kittle’s has a more complex set of guarantees with option bonuses extending potential security through a third season.
Forecasting Sam LaPorta’s Contract Extension Starting in 2026
As LaPorta becomes an established top-tier tight end, his upcoming extension could redefine the market. With no fifth-year option available as a second-round pick, the Lions face the choice of locking him into a long-term deal following the 2025 season to avoid losing him in free agency or resorting to the franchise tag in 2027.
Looking at the precedents set by Kittle and McBride, it is reasonable to expect LaPorta to become the first tight end to reach or exceed an average annual salary of $20 million. Detroit has shown a willingness to commit long-term to young stars through four-year deals, as seen with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill, and Kerby Joseph. Notably, three of those players, including St. Brown, McNeill, and Joseph, were not first-round selections, paralleling LaPorta’s status and timing for extension negotiations.
A likely proposal for LaPorta’s new contract could be a four-year, $80 million agreement, combined with the $2.04 million already scheduled for 2026 under his rookie contract (salary and workout bonus). This would effectively amount to five years and $82.04 million in total, averaging about $16.4 million per year. Although this figure is significant, it would rank fifth in overall tight end salaries and slightly surpass McBride’s total compensation package of $81.3 million over five years.
Guarantee provisions will be crucial for both the player and the Lions, with the team expected to employ at least one void year to manage salary cap implications, a tactic they have used in other major contracts. Such financial structuring helps balance cap flexibility with player security.
Projected terms: 4 years, $80 million total value, and approximately $44 million guaranteed.
Ultimately, a Sam LaPorta Lions contract projection of this magnitude highlights the confidence Detroit places in him as a foundational piece of their offense. Locking him in early not only reflects his current impact but also ensures the stability of the Lions’ upward trajectory as they seek sustained success in the coming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sam LaPorta good?
A. LaPorta set a new record for most receptions in a season by a rookie tight end, reaching 82 catches. Overall, it was one of the best seasons ever for a rookie tight end in the NFL. Lions fans expected him to perform even better in 2024, but that was not the case.
Q. Will Sam LaPorta be good?
A. In his first year in 2023, the Lions tight end made a big impression. However, his performance in 2024 wasn’t as strong, with 724 yards and seven touchdowns. Although these are still decent numbers, his impressive debut season showed he can achieve even more.