The Lions entered the 2026 offseason with four standout extension candidates. Two of them (linebacker Jack Campbell, then running back Jahmyr Gibbs) have managed to finalize lucrative long-term deals so far.
That leaves tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch in need of a new contract if they are to avoid becoming free agents next spring. 2026 represents the final season of his player’s rookie contract, but injuries could lead to hesitation in terms of a new commitment being made. LaPorta’s previous campaign was shortened by back surgery, and last month he suffered a hip injury.
Branch, meanwhile, continues to work his way back from a 2025 Achilles tear. As expected, he joined fellow secondary standout Kerby Joseph in shifting to the reserve/PUP list during roster cuts. An absence of at least the first four weeks of the year is now in store as a result. The Lions have been comfortable with negotiating extensions during the season, and it is increasingly likely that will be necessary if LaPorta or Branch are to ink a second Detroit deal.
“Those other two, we still want to keep those guys around,” head coach Dan Campbell said (via Colton Pouncy of The Athletic). “Those plans haven’t changed. There’s a couple of factors that we still got to sort through, but in terms of us wanting those guys around, absolutely. Hopefully, we can get that done.”
Indeed, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Lions can be expected to pursue extensions with both LaPorta and Branch. He confirms, though, that it would come as a surprise if an agreement were to be reached prior to Week 1 in either case. Detroit already has several big-ticket contracts in place with homegrown players, and it remains to be seen if room for further deals in that regard will be possible.
The team’s offense already includes commitments to Gibbs but also quarterback Jared Goff, left tackle Penei Sewell and the receiver tandem of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Affording a tight end deal at or near the top of the market could prove to be challenging. Similarly, Branch parlaying his All-Pro status into a big-money contract would be difficult given Joseph’s existing pact and other investments on defense to the likes of Campbell, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and defensive tackle Alim McNeill.
The ability of LaPorta and Branch to return to full strength and deliver strong campaigns in 2026 will of course be critical to Detroit’s success. The nature of extension talks in both cases will make for an interesting storyline as the season progresses.
