The Carolina Panthers are getting much more from their tight ends under offensive coordinator Brad Idzik. But with Darren Waller and Tommy Tremble both out of contract next spring, changes could be on the distant horizon.
And Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta's recent comments about his contract stalemate should have general manager Dan Morgan's attention.
LaPorta is after a new deal in Detroit. The club hasn't reached common ground yet, as it tries to balance the books with several young stars either up for renewal or recently paid.
Carolina Panthers should monitor growing friction between Sam LaPorta and the Lions
Sacrifices are coming, and the Lions only have so much money to go around.
The 2023 second-round selection has been waiting patiently. But now, LaPorta has voiced his displeasure publicly.
And it has not gone overlooked.
During an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, LaPorta's frustrations couldn't be ignored. He doesn't feel like his efforts are being acknowledged enough. He'll stay professional amid his contract uncertainty, and if the Lions don't want to pay him, he believes that plenty of other teams will.
“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.”
The Panthers might be among those who'll look to throw the bag at LaPorta if he somehow hits the open market.
But there is a long way to go before then.
Sam LaPorta would be an instant upgrade on Carolina Panthers' improving TE room
Detroit could work out an extension, either in season or shortly after. If LaPorta's demands are too high, the Lions can place him under the franchise tag if all else fails.
This gives the Lions some extra breathing room. LaPorta won't like it, but it's the nature of the business. That could also give them the leeway to extend standout safety Brian Branch, who is also looking for a new contract.
Paying everyone will be difficult. Not impossible, but the Lions will prioritize those who represent franchise cornerstones.
LaPorta is one of them. But it's clear that the relationship between the Iowa product and the franchise is souring.
And the Panthers would be wise to monitor developments closely.
Waller's been a tremendous addition to the squad. Tremble is playing the best football of his career, so keeping one or both is more than feasible.
But there is no denying LaPorta represents an immediate upgrade on anything Carolina has right now.
And whether it's in free agency or a potential tag-and-trade situation, it would send a massive statement of intent.
Whether the Panthers have enough financial flexibility to pay LaPorta is another matter.
Spotrac projects LaPorta will get a three-year, $45.12 million deal, averaging $15.03 million per season. That deal would rank fourth among tight ends league-wide, and for a team projected to have just $7.37 million in 2027 cap space and just 38 players under contract, it's a tricky problem to solve.
Even so, it's worth keeping tabs on the developing friction between LaPorta and the Lions. And if he somehow found his way to Carolina, it could be the missing piece to the offensive puzzle.
Time will tell, but all is not well in Detroit.
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