Commanders Trade Proposal Lands All-Pro TE From Lions

Washington sends two draft picks to Detroit for $9.4 million tight end

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the abstract forms of football players and a field, rendered in deep blues, greens, and oranges, conceptually representing the complex negotiations of a major trade deal.A bold, cubist-inspired illustration captures the strategic maneuvering and physical intensity of a high-stakes football trade negotiation.Washington Today

The Washington Commanders are reportedly interested in acquiring a talented 25-year-old tight end from the Detroit Lions in a hypothetical trade proposal. The deal would send the Commanders' 2026 7th overall pick, a 2027 3rd-round pick, and a player to the Lions in exchange for the No. 17 overall pick, a late-round pick, and the Pro Bowl-caliber tight end.

Why it matters

The Commanders are looking to bolster their offense this offseason, and adding a young, productive tight end like the one proposed could be a significant upgrade. The move would give the team a dynamic pass-catching threat and an effective blocker to complement their existing tight end group.

The details

In the proposed trade, the Commanders would send their 2026 7th overall pick, a 2027 3rd-round selection, and tight end Ben Sinnott to the Lions in exchange for the No. 17 overall pick, the No. 205 overall pick, and 25-year-old tight end James LaPorta. LaPorta, a second-team All-Pro in 2023-24, is coming off a season limited by a back injury but has shown the ability to be a highly effective receiver and blocker.

  • The proposed trade would take place during the 2026 NFL offseason.

The players

Washington Commanders

The professional American football team based in Washington, D.C. that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

Detroit Lions

The professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

James LaPorta

A 25-year-old tight end who earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023-24 while playing for the Detroit Lions.

Ben Sinnott

A tight end currently on the Washington Commanders roster who would be included in the proposed trade.

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What they’re saying

“First off, I don't think LaPorta will be traded. But it wouldn't totally floor me if he was.”

— Eric Edholm, NFL.com Writer

“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.”

— Eric Edholm, NFL.com Writer

What’s next

The Commanders and Lions would need to agree on the terms of the trade proposal, and the deal would need to be approved by the NFL before it could be finalized.

The takeaway

This proposed trade would give the Commanders a chance to acquire a talented young tight end in James LaPorta, who could provide a significant boost to their offense. However, the Lions may be reluctant to part with such a valuable asset, especially given LaPorta's recent injury history.