Campbell dismisses LaPorta contract talk
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has brushed off recent comments made by tight end Sam LaPorta regarding his ongoing contract extension talks.
LaPorta spoke on a podcast about feeling the team was not showing him love during negotiations. He admitted that he broke off talks earlier this month after both sides failed to reach an agreement on a long term deal. The tight end even noted he would be fine playing somewhere else in 2027 if things do not work out.
Speaking at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park ahead of Friday practice, Campbell insisted that the comments will not affect the locker room coming off their bye week. He stated that while it may look like a distraction to the outside world, it is not one inside the building. Campbell added that LaPorta remains fully focused on playing and that the team is ready to use him.
LaPorta remains key to Detroit offense
The 25 year old tight end missed the final eight games of the 2025 season after undergoing back surgery in November for a fully herniated disk. He has since returned to action as a big part of the offense under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Through his first five games, LaPorta has recorded 316 receiving yards and three touchdowns. That gives him the second most receiving yards on the Lions roster so far this season.
Petzing said he was not aware of the specific comments on the podcast and has not noticed any unhappiness from LaPorta during practice. He praised the player for his versatility, noting that LaPorta creates problems for defenses by blocking, separating against linebackers and safeties, making contested catches, and making plays in the red zone.
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