The Detroit Lions have several members of the 2023 draft class eligible for an extension, and it's been reported that Sam LaPorta is a priority for them in that regard. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport appeared on "The Insiders" on June 16, where he expressed LaPorta is on track for an extension this summer.
Things move quickly in the NFL, and the latest extension in the NFL may have set the price for LaPorta's extension with Detroit. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Atlanta Falcons and tight end Kyle Pitts agreed on a three-year, $54 million extension with $36 million fully guaranteed. That's the third-largest contract for a tight end in NFL history. It also puts Pitts third in AAV among tight ends behind George Kittle and Trey McBride.
Considering that LaPorta and Detroit are discussing a new deal, this is a template that could come in play at the negotiating table.
Sam LaPorta's eventual payday with Lions just got a lot easier to predict
Even though the Lions have stated they want to extend LaPorta, the longer they wait, the higher the price could potentially increase, and this was the latest example. Pitts was hit with the franchise tag earlier this offseason, but the Falcons felt like he was a building block. Even though there have been times they've wanted more from Pitts, he has still flashed. Just like LaPorta has.
Kyle Pitts Career Stats | Sam LaPorta Career Stats |
|---|---|
Targets: 451 | Targets: 252 |
Catches: 284 | Catches: 186 |
Receiving Yards: 3,579 | Receiving Yards: 2,104 |
Receiving Touchdowns: 15 | Receiving Touchdowns: 20 |
Yards Per Reception: 12.6 | Yards Per Reception: 11.3 |
While Pitts eclipses LaPorta in several categories, he has two more seasons and 36 more NFL games under his belt. Of course, he'll have better numbers in certain areas, but that goes to show how effective LaPorta can be.
Last season, he was limited to just nine games due to a back injury. That was unfortunate, but it appears that he will be ready for training camp and the start of the 2026 season. That's exactly what they want to hear, and it's no secret that he's a massive weapon for this offense.
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Despite that, he's going into the final year of his rookie deal, and if they want him around for the long haul, they need to pay up. This extension gives LaPorta a price point when it comes to an asking price. Players usually look at the most recent deal at their position when it comes to an extension, as they look to top it or get something similar. And that will be the case here.
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is another tight end who is in line for an extension, and if the Lions continue to wait, the price may go up again. Detroit would want to get a new deal done this summer, but this Pitts deal put them on the hot seat to get something agreed upon.
Even if they don't want to go as high as Pitts' deal, the time is now to strike a deal. The longer they wait, the more money they'll have to cough up. And LaPorta won't have any problem with that.
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