The Detroit Lions still want Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch to stay with the team for the long term. However, neither player has signed a contract extension yet.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes remains hopeful of getting new deals done for both players. He spoke about their contract situations during his Wednesday press conference, offering some insight into the team’s plans for the two young stars.

LaPorta and Branch joined Detroit in the 2023 NFL Draft. Both players have since become key parts of the Lions’ young core. They are now entering the final year of their rookie contracts.

The Lions have already extended two other members of that draft class. Jahmyr Gibbs signed a three-year, $67.5 million extension. Jack Campbell also agreed to a four-year, $81 million deal.

That makes their contract status an important topic for Detroit as the new season approaches.

Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch Remain Priorities for Detroit

That leaves Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch as two key young Lions still waiting for new contracts.

Their situations also come with different concerns. LaPorta missed time last season with a back injury, while Branch suffered a torn Achilles late in the year. He is now on the reserve/PUP list and will miss at least the first 4 games.

Still, those issues have not changed Detroit’s plans. The Lions remain hopeful of reaching agreements with both players. The team has made its intentions clear, even though neither extension is done yet.

For now, LaPorta and Branch remain part of Detroit’s long-term plans. The next step is getting new contracts done.

Written by

Sayantan