On the heels of Tuesday’s positive injury update on star tight end Sam LaPorta, prominent NFL insider Ian Rapoport said that’s good news for a potential LaPorta contract extension with the Detroit Lions.
Though Dan Campbell wasn’t definitive it would be the case, Detroit’s head coach sounded optimistic that LaPorta could be ready for the start of training camp at the end of next month.
“We like where he’s going. He’s trending the right way,” Campbell said on Tuesday during Lions minicamp.
After that nugget from coach Campbell, Rapoport said on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” that it might mean that LaPorta gets his contract extension done with the Lions before next season starts.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #Lions star TE Sam LaPorta is trending in the right direction with his injury… which also puts him on track for a big contract extension, potentially, this summer. pic.twitter.com/K7Z1xp7ir5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 16, 2026
“Two parts to this here: First of all, the fact that Dan Campbell would say that, ‘trending in the right direction…’ To speak Dan Campbell, that means he’s likely ready for training camp and is certainly going to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. That is excellent news.
“He is also as I mentioned one of the best tight ends in the NFL, due a contract extension. Considered a priority for the Detroit Lions. Wouldn’t be surprised if both LaPorta and Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers both reset the tight end market that is badly needing to be reset. Both of that could happen before the season next season. Either way, all good things coming for LaPorta and the Lions,” Rapoport said.
George Kittle and Trey McBride are tops in the NFL at $19.1 and $19 million in average annual salary, respectively.
Per Spotrac, LaPorta’s calculated market value is $18.4 million in average annual salary on a projected four-year, $73.6 million contract extension.
LaPorta burst onto the scene with 889 yards and 10 touchdowns on 86 catches during his rookie campaign in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight end was a Pro Bowler and earned second-team All-Pro status in 2023.
LaPorta followed up his rookie campaign with 60 receptions for 726 yards and seven scores in 2024. Then, in just nine games last year, LaPorta hauled in 40 grabs for 489 yards and three touchdowns.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: NFL insider optimistic Lions’ Sam LaPorta lands contract extension soon
