The contract impasse between the Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta has LaPorta thinking he might be elsewhere next season.
LaPorta says it’s frustrating that after putting everything on the line for his team, including a season-ending back injury last year, he still doesn’t have a contract beyond this season.
“I think the combination of twisting your heart and the violent sport that we play, it sucks,” LaPorta said on Forgive my opinion. “It’s disappointing that you go every week and you run the risk of getting injured. Like last year, whatever it was, Week 9, Week 10, I’m breaking my back for the team. And then I go there this year, and I’m playing, and maybe they’re just not showing the love. So that sucks.”
LaPorta knows that after this season, the Lions will either have to pay him or let him test free agency, and either way, he thinks he’ll do well.
“I’m going to continue to do my thing and get by, and in three months if I can’t wear the Honolulu Blue and play for the Lions, I’ll be fine. I’ll go get paid somewhere else. So whatever,” LaPorta said.
Lions coach Dan Campbell has praised LaPorta this year for the way he’s playing, so LaPorta isn’t letting his frustrations affect his ability to continue playing at a high level. And it’s smart: Other teams see how LaPorta plays, and some teams will pay him.
Gn sports
