“Two that I’d be watching: the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers,” Robinson wrote on October 21, framing it as what he’d watch if LaPorta’s name starts getting floated.
Why Robinson Points To Denver And Carolina
Robinson wrote that Sean Payton has been looking for a “high-impact tight end” since arriving in Denver in 2023, and that LaPorta “would immediately give quarterback Bo Nix another significant weapon to get back on track.”
#Lions TE Sam LaPorta on not getting a contract extension: “It’s disappointing that you go out there every week and bear the risk of getting hurt. Like last year, I broke my f—ing back for the team. And then I’m going out there this year and I’m balling, and maybe they’re just not showing the love. “I’m going to continue to do my thing and ball out, and in three months, if I don’t get to wear the Honolulu blue and play for the Lions anymore, it’s going to be all good. I’ll go get paid somewhere else. So whatever.” (via @PardonMyTake)
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 21, 2026
He added that the Panthers have been poking around for ways to add supporting pieces for quarterback Bryce Young.
LaPorta’s Contract Standoff
Ian Rapoport reported October 4 that the Lions and LaPorta broke off extension talks, and LaPorta said afterward, “I think there’s certainly a stalemate right now and I’m really giving the reigns to my agent Jack Bechta.”
He went further on Pardon My Take this week, saying he broke his back for the team last year and that “in three months if I don’t get to wear the Honolulu Blue and play for the Lions anymore, it’s going to be all good. I’ll go get paid somewhere else.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Thursday that “eventually, Sam LaPorta is going to get paid” but that a deal is not expected until after the 2026 season, and Detroit can still use the franchise tag, which Over the Cap projects near $17.5 million for tight ends in 2027.
LaPorta is 25, turns 26 in January, and carries a $6.748 million cap hit in the final year of his rookie deal.
He has 27 catches on 32 targets for 316 yards and three touchdowns through five games, which ranks fifth among tight ends in receiving yards, and he’s had zero drops, according to PFF.
His rookie year in 2023 produced 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns with Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, and a back injury ended his 2025 season after nine games.
