In a move that shook up the AFC, the Miami Dolphins traded All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey,
Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. While Ramsey and Fitzpatrick are the headliners of the deal, does the absence of a proven tight end on Miami’s roster create a trade scenario that Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes can’t resist?
In 2022, at the NFL trade deadline, Holmes traded Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick, and a conditional 2024 draft pick to the Vikings for a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick, showing how he is not afraid to make bold moves.
It just so happens that the Lions have another Pro Bowl tight end on their roster at a very opportune time. By trading Smith, the Dolphins have left their depth chart without a proven tight end. Enter Holmes.
Lions Must Consider Trading Sam LaPorta to the Dolphins
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What type of haul could the Lions get for trading Sam LaPorta to the Dolphins?
Acting now, before the possible emergence of Dolphins tight end Julian Hill, would leverage the
uncertainty at the position and drive up the price. Holmes could squeeze the Dolphins for a second-round pick and more, possibly getting one of the many tight ends on Miami's roster in return.
LaPorta is talented and proven at the position, but the Lions offense might also be phasing him out of the passing game in favor of targeting wide receivers, as I [reported in May on Detroit Jock City](https://detroitjockcity.com/lions-rookie-may-push-young-star-out-detroit-01jt65q8c). Last year, LaPorta saw his production substantially decline. His targets dropped by 37 from the year before. He caught 26 fewer passes for 163 fewer yards and three fewer touchdowns.
The big reason was the emergence of wide receiver Jameson Williams. Now the Lions have invested three third-round picks in rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. LaPorta could bounce back this season, but things are not trending in the right direction. The tight end position seems to be the third or fourth read for quarterback Jared Goff.
Moving LaPorta for a prime draft pick next year could add a talented rookie and reset the clock on the tight end position if the Lions replace him in the second round or earlier. LaPorta has two years remaining on his rookie deal, which means he will soon be looking for a big payday.
Now that Miami has made a move on the NFL chessboard, other moves seem likely. The Lions should capitalize.
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