Campbell dismisses distraction concerns over LaPorta contract comments
LaPorta has expressed frustration over the lack of a new deal and said he expects to be paid elsewhere if he cannot reach an agreement with the Lions.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell dismissed concerns at a Friday press conference that tight end Sam LaPorta’s comments about his unresolved contract situation would affect the team. With a game against Green Bay two days away, Campbell said he had no doubts about LaPorta’s focus.
The questions followed LaPorta’s expression of frustration that he and the Lions had not agreed on a new contract. In the final year of his rookie deal, the tight end said he was confident another team would pay him if no agreement materialized.
Campbell acknowledged that he would rather avoid having contract matters become a subject of discussion during the season. Still, he said knowing LaPorta gave him confidence that neither the player nor the team would allow the remarks to become a distraction.
LaPorta’s production through five games stands at 27 catches, 316 yards and three touchdowns.
