Dan Campbell downplays concerns about Sam LaPorta breaking off contract talks with Lions

Published October 7, 2026 02:34 PM Lions head coach Dan Campbell says the report that tight end Sam LaPorta and the team have broken off contract talks is not an issue.Asked about the report today, Campbell downplayed it and said LaPorta had his best game of the season on Sunday after the report came out.“That’s the last thing on my mind right now,” Campbell said. “There’s always gonna be two sides, and you work through these things. Just because there’s a report of that doesn’t mean that’s some big issue, big deal. I love LaPorta. We love LaPorta. He’s a heck of a football player and I thought he played his best game the other day. His work ethic, his production speaks for itself.”The 25-year-old LaPorta, whom the Lions drafted in the second round in 2023, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Through four games this season, he is averaging career highs in catches per game (5.5) and yards per game (57.0). He should become one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends next year, either with the Lions or some other team.