ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the Lions could sign TE Sam LaPorta to a contract extension early in the season.

11 September 2026

Schefter was exploring extension possibilities across the NFL with colleague Pat McAfee and noted that the Lions have a propensity for signing players to extensions in-season. The stud tight end spent the offseason rehabbing after undergoing back surgery. Perhaps the front office just wants to make sure LaPorta returns to his pre-injury form this month before signing him to a lucrative deal. He is scheduled to enter free agency next offseason. Signing him to a long-term deal makes sense. He is a locked-in TE1 this season.