Sam LaPorta Extension Talk Means His Back Is Fine
Here’s what we know about Sam LaPorta’s back situation, and it’s exactly what Lions fans needed to hear. Adam Schefter just dropped word that the Lions are actively looking to get LaPorta’s extension done this offseason, right alongside Jahmyr Gibbs.
Let me spell this out plainly: Brad Holmes is not about to hand out a potentially market-resetting contract to a tight end who can’t play. That would be insane. No general manager worth his salt would do that, and Holmes has proven over and over that he’s not in the business of making franchise-crippling decisions.
This lines up perfectly with what we heard from Holmes back in early April on the Lions Collective podcast. When asked if LaPorta and Brian Branch’s injuries would delay their extensions, Holmes said he didn’t think that would be an issue. That was our first real signal that both guys were healing up nicely.
Dan Campbell Was Cautiously Optimistic All Along
Even back in December when LaPorta’s back injury was still fresh, Campbell was measured but hopeful about the timeline. He said LaPorta was getting better and that training camp was a realistic target, though he was honest about back injuries being tricky.
Now we’re five months down the road, and here we are talking extensions. That’s not Lions luck, that’s actual progress.
The real test comes next week when OTAs and mandatory minicamp kick off. If LaPorta is out there running routes and doing tight end things, then we can officially stop worrying about his back. If he’s limited or sitting out, well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
But everything we’re hearing suggests that won’t be necessary. LaPorta is one of the best tight ends in the league, and keeping him locked up long-term is exactly the kind of move championship teams make. Holmes knows it. Campbell knows it. And apparently, LaPorta’s back is cooperating.
Are you buying the optimism around LaPorta’s recovery or are you waiting to see him actually suit up before you believe it? Let me know in the comments.
This is the move. Holmes and Campbell aren’t playing around with extensions for guys who can’t contribute. If they’re already in talks with LaPorta, that means the training staff gave them the green light. I’m feeling good about this one.
I want to believe this, I really do. But back injuries are no joke and they can linger. I’ll feel way better once I actually see him on the field doing his thing in camp. Talk is cheap, especially in April.
You know what’s different now? We actually have a front office that knows what they’re doing. Back in the day we would’ve either rushed a guy back and ruined him or let him waste away. Holmes and Campbell actually plan ahead and make smart decisions. That’s the change we needed.