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NFL·ANALYSIS·October 4, 2026 09:20 AM ET

Lions, LaPorta break off contract talks; McCarthy opens as Giants QB3

The Detroit tight end is slated to hit free agency in 2027.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read
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What happened: The Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta have halted contract extension negotiations, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy is beginning his New York Giants tenure as the team's third-string quarterback. The broadcast also highlighted Drake Maye's offensive issues for the New England Patriots without wide receiver A.J. Brown, alongside Brian Schottenheimer's address to the Dallas Cowboys.

Why it matters: LaPorta's stalled negotiations pause long-term clarity for Detroit's passing attack. In New England, the Patriots are navigating a rocky offensive transition as Maye carries the load without his primary downfield target. McCarthy faces a steep climb for immediate snaps in New York.

By the numbers: New England is averaging 14.3 points per game during a 2-4 start to the season. Maye passed for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns in 17 games for the Patriots during the 2025 campaign, while McCarthy threw for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games for Minnesota.

What to watch: Watch if the Patriots adjust their scheme to support Maye while Brown remains sidelined. The Giants will continue evaluating McCarthy's progress as he works up the depth chart.

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NFLAnalysisDallas CowboysDetroit LionsNew England PatriotsA.J. BrownDrake Maye
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