Commanders trade pitch sends two draft picks to Lions for $9.4 million All-Pro TE
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Commanders trade pitch sends two draft picks to Lions for $9.4 million All-Pro TE originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While the Washington Commanders re-signed Zach Ertz and inked a deal with Chig Okonkwo so far this offseason, the organization could look to make another tight end move to take another step forward in that area.
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In a hypothetical trade idea crafted by NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, the Commanders would send two draft picks to the Detroit Lions for a 25-year-old tight end who earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023-24.
“First off, I don't think LaPorta will be traded,” Edholm wrote Monday. “But it wouldn't totally floor me if he was.”
“LaPorta has been great, and losing him hurts Detroit's offense, but the big picture must be considered: LaPorta is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is coming off back surgery.”
“It's not hard to imagine why the Commanders would want LaPorta, especially with David Blough (who was on Detroit's practice squad LaPorta's rookie season) calling plays. Washington should still find a receiver or defensive help readily at No. 17.”
For clarity, Edholm’s trade concept would send the 2026 No. 7 overall pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and Ben Sinnott to the Lions for the No. 17 overall pick, No. 205 overall pick, and LaPorta.
Unfortunately, a back injury limited LaPorta to nine games last season, but he was still relatively productive in Year 3.
The Iowa product finished the year with 40 receptions for 489 receiving yards and three touchdowns. LaPorta’s ability to be highly effective after the catch, create ample space with his crisp route running, and block at a respectable level would do wonders for a Commanders franchise hoping to improve on the offensive side of the ball.
Will Edholm’s trade idea ever materialize? Who knows, but it certainly isn’t far-fetched.
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