Lions' Dan Campbell responds to concerning Sam LaPorta contract report

Eyebrows among members of the NFL community were raised when Ian Rapoport of NFL Network/ESPN reported on Oct. 4 that Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had broken off contract talks with the team and could become "one of the top free agents regardless of position" in 2027.

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the concerning LaPorta story.

Sam LaPorta contract saga the "last thing" on Dan Campbell's mind

"That's the last thing on my mind right now is what's going on with all that," Campbell said, per Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. "There's always going to be two sides, and you work through these things, and just because there's a report of that doesn't mean that's some big issue, big deal."

While it's unclear exactly how much money LaPorta may want attached to an extension, multiple players at the position inked deals this year that presumably could help the 25-year-old and the Lions come to an agreement. Most recently, the Green Bay Packers and Tucker Kraft agreed in September to a four-year, $75M deal that could be worth up to $92M and included a $26.5M signing bonus. 

Back in June, the Atlanta Falcons and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. came to terms on a three-year, $54M deal with $36M guaranteed. Later, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Brenton Strange agreed to a three-year extension that could be worth up to $48M with $25M guaranteed. 

Dan Campbell: Sam LaPorta's work ethic and production "speaks for itself"

As part of his report, Rapoport noted that "the Lions continue to negotiate deals in-season, and there is a chance they make another attempt at a deal that would make LaPorta one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends." 

In the Lions' 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers that dropped Detroit to 2-2 this past Sunday, LaPorta tallied eight receptions on 13 targets for 84 yards and a touchdown.

"I love LaPorta," Campbell added. "We love LaPorta. He's a heck of a football player. I thought he played his best game the other day. So, his work ethic, his production, speaks for itself."

Clearly, Campbell expects LaPorta to again be focused on the task at hand when 2-2 Detroit plays at the 1-3 Arizona Cardinals this coming Sunday. The Lions will then spend Week 6 on their bye, during which contract negotiations between Detroit and LaPorta could presumably start back up.