Washington acquired defensive tackle Lional Dalton from…
Washington acquired defensive tackle Lional Dalton from Denver in 2003 for a conditional 2004 pick. The original terms called for a fifth-rounder if Dalton played at least 40 percent of defensive snaps and a seventh otherwise; the final compensation became a conditional sixth-round pick, No. 171 Triandos Luke. Dalton started nine games for Washington, giving the Commanders the better immediate return.
Washington Commanders Received
- player Lionel Dalton
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2004 conditional sixth round pick (#171-Triandos Luke)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 26, 2003, Washington acquired defensive tackle Lional Dalton from Denver for a conditional 2004 draft choice. Contemporary reporting described a fifth-round pick if Dalton reached a 40-percent defensive-play threshold and a seventh-rounder otherwise. The final transaction record identifies the compensation as a conditional sixth-round selection, No. 171 overall, which Denver used on wide receiver Triandos Luke.
Washington Commanders Return
Dalton immediately joined a Washington defensive line that needed veteran size. In 2003 he appeared in 12 games, started nine and recorded a sack. He was not a dominant defender, but Washington obtained meaningful starter-level snaps at a position of need. For a late conditional selection, that is a respectable short-term return and exactly the type of value such a trade is supposed to provide.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver converted a player it had been actively shopping into a draft choice rather than releasing him outright. The sixth-round selection became Luke, who appeared in 10 games for Denver as a rookie. He caught six passes for 52 yards and also contributed in the return game, but he did not develop into a lasting offensive piece. The Broncos recovered something, though the player value remained limited.
Value in Hindsight
Neither club found a star. Washington received a season of useful defensive-line play, while Denver received a late-round receiver with a brief role. The difference is that Dalton filled a more substantial immediate need and logged nine starts, giving Washington a modest value edge.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders Win. Washington earns a C+ for acquiring a functional starter at a low price. Denver receives a C because turning a movable veteran into a sixth-round pick was sensible, but Luke's limited career prevented the compensation from becoming a stronger return.