Insider Delivers Concerning Contract Update for Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch

Jahmyr Gibbs has been signed by the Detroit Lions, leaving the team with two major contract negotiations to complete: those of tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch. NFL insider Albert Breer reported that the Lions are not close to reaching agreements with both players, despite their importance to the organization. Both LaPorta and Branch are seen as long-term pieces, but their recent injuries have complicated the negotiation process.

General manager Brad Holmes has stated that the organization intends to retain all four players from the 2023 draft class, including LaPorta, Branch, Jack Campbell, and Gibbs. LaPorta's situation centers around the back injury that ended his 2025 season, while Branch's injury is even more serious – he tore his Achilles in December and has yet to return to full participation.

Both players could seek position-setting contracts, arguing for payments near the top of their respective positions. This creates a difficult negotiation, as the Lions must balance rewarding the players' talent with protecting themselves against potential future injuries. While Detroit has shown its willingness to pay elite players, they have also demonstrated a commitment to structuring contracts that provide adequate security.

For now, it appears that the Lions are taking a cautious approach, waiting to see how LaPorta and Branch perform before making final decisions on their contracts.