Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch remains one of the organization’s top long-term priorities. However, it does not appear an extension is imminent.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, June 11, head coach Dan Campbell offered an update regarding Branch.

“I think you always want to know that your guys, that they are healthy and that this is truly healed," said the head coach. "You’re always gonna kinda wanna lean that way, knowing the investment that would go into that.”

Most of the focus is on new deals for Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, but Branch is also entering an important year on his rookie contract. He is currently rehabbing a torn Achilles he suffered in Week 14 against the Cowboys.

Campbell’s remarks suggest the Lions are taking a patient approach before extending Branch’s contract.

Campbell also indicated that Branch “could” be ready for training camp, a positive sign for a player working his way back from one of football’s most challenging injuries.

Branch broke out in his first-ever NFL game when he intercepted Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ pass and ran 50 yards for a touchdown in 2023.

Over his three years in the NFL, Branch has played 43 games with 37 starts, 258 combined tackles, seven interceptions, 38 pass deflections and 4.5 sacks. His performance during the 2024 season also got him called up to his first Pro Bowl.

The Lions had faced a similar situation last year too. Aidan Hutchinson was recovering from a broken leg, and Detroit waited until several regular-season games to finalize the deal.

Lions could be using this same approach when it comes to LaPorta as well, but might need to get the deal done quickly.

Detroit Lions Might Want To Wait But Could Be Forced To Extend LaPorta

The Lions’ star tight end, LaPorta, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. After being drafted in the second round of the 2023 Draft, he holds one Pro Bowl honor and one All-Pro honor. However, he suffered a back injury against the Washington Commanders, which has made it tough to extend him right away.

The Lions would prefer to wait and see if LaPorta can return from injury and perform at the same level. But with multiple other tight ends set to earn new contracts in the coming months, the Lions might need to re-sign him quickly.

Spotrac currently estimates LaPorta’s market value at $17 million per year, making him the third-highest-paid tight end in the league.

But Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers and Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons are also set to sign extensions at any moment. This means LaPorta’s price could go even higher if he performs at a high level, once back from injury. 

What do you think of Branch's situation in Detroit? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar