A contract decision by the Atlanta Falcons may have just made things difficult for the Detroit Lions' long-term plans. The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a huge contract extension with Kyle Pitts on June 23.

Unfortunately, this could create a new challenge for the Lions' future negotiations with one of their rising stars, tight end Sam LaPorta.

"The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms on a new three-year, $54 million extension with Kyle Pitts," wrote Sports Illustrated reporter John Maakaron. "The new deal reportedly includes $36 million in guaranteed monies. Pitts is now the third-highest paid player at the tight end position."

Atlanta's wish to invest heavily in the former first-round pick sends a clear signal that the team is ready to pay a high price for talented tight ends. According to Maakaron, it complicates matters for the Detroit Lions, who are trying to figure out LaPorta's future with the team.

LaPorta is a productive young offensive weapon and is an important part of Detroit's attack. Since he entered the league, he has become the centerpiece in head coach Dan Campbell's offensive system.

He has recorded 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns last season. So, it is likely that LaPorta's price is going to rise.

However, the franchise has already committed significant resources to QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, OT Penei Sewell, and edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. So adding another extension can cause an impact on its salary cap planning.

But if LaPorta continues to grow, the Lions may be pushed to make him one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends. Pitts' new contract could impact Detroit's future with LaPorta.

Should the Lions let go of Sam LaPorta?

According to A to Z Sports, reporter Mike Payton, Sam LaPorta could become more valuable under the new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing. It would be a mistake for Detroit to let its most valuable offensive weapon walk away.

"I would place tight ends closer to quarterbacks in terms of how difficult they are to find," wrote Payton. "Sure, you can find a good blocking tight end, but a good receiving tight end who can also block and has that yards-after-catch ability is not something easily replaceable. The Lions would be crazy to let him walk."

Trading or letting LaPorta go after the 2026 season does not make any sense. He is an important part, especially under Drew Petzing, the new offensive coordinator, who runs a tight-end-heavy system.

LaPorta is Goff's most trusted player, combining reliable hands with rare yards-after-catch ability. He earned the Pro Bowl and AP Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2023.

He is the only tight end in NFL history to record at least 600 receiving yards and six touchdowns in each of his first two seasons. The price of LaPorta is high, but replacing him is far more expensive.

What are your views on Sam LaPorta? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit