Miami Dolphins–Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade History

Miami sent Tampa Bay the rights to linebacker Ray Nettles on January 21, 1977 for fifth- and sixth-round selections in that year's draft. The fifth became No. 113, punter Mike Michel. Miami returned the sixth to Tampa Bay on February 7 in a separate deal for Barry Smith and Randy Young, explaining why some later team histories compress the Nettles transaction to only the fifth-round pick.

Miami sent tackle Darryl Carlton to Tampa Bay for veteran tackle Mike Current and the Buccaneers' 1978 fifth-round pick. Current started 45 games for the Dolphins from 1977 through 1979. Miami later returned the same fifth-round asset to Tampa Bay in a separate August 30 trade for Steve Young, so Young is a downstream use of the pick rather than a direct asset in this exchange.

Tampa Bay acquired cornerback Jeris White from Miami for a 1978 fifth-round pick that Dolphins records connect to No. 111 Ted Burgmeier. White immediately became a full-time Buccaneers starter and produced 12 interceptions across 46 games in three seasons. The fifth-round return did not approach that impact, making Tampa Bay the clear winner.

Miami acquired veteran defensive end Council Rudolph from Tampa Bay, but Rudolph's documented NFL playing career had already ended after the 1977 season. He did not appear in a regular-season game for the Dolphins following the transaction, leaving Miami without realized on-field value. The lack of a usable player return made the deal a clear miss for Miami.

Miami acquired running back Jimmy DuBose and a 1982 second-round pick, No. 44, from Tampa Bay for Gary Davis and Norris Thomas. DuBose did not become a meaningful Miami contributor, but the future second retained substantial value and later helped Miami assemble another trade package. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, received immediate regular-season service from both Davis and Thomas. The mix of short-term player value and future draft value keeps this exchange even.

Miami acquired linebacker Hugh Green from Tampa Bay on October 9, 1985 for 1986 first- and second-round picks. Green immediately strengthened the Dolphins defense and remained with Miami through 1991, providing several seasons of starting-caliber play. The price was substantial, but the Dolphins received a proven defender for years rather than a short rental, making their side defensible.

Tampa Bay acquired offensive tackle Cornell Green from Miami in August 2002 for a 2003 seventh-round pick. Green appeared in all 16 games and made three starts for the Buccaneers during their Super Bowl championship season, providing useful line depth. Miami later moved the acquired late-round selection rather than turning it into a direct long-term contributor. At such a small cost, Tampa Bay received the more valuable and timely return.

Miami moved down fourteen spots in the 2017 seventh round, giving Tampa Bay pick No. 223 for No. 237 and a 2018 seventh-round choice. The Dolphins selected Isaiah Ford, who eventually produced 63 NFL receptions and 681 yards, mostly with Miami. Tampa Bay chose defensive tackle Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, who never appeared in a regular-season game, leaving Miami with the clearly better realized return.