Miami traded reserve quarterback Jim Del Gaizo to Green Bay…
Miami traded reserve quarterback Jim Del Gaizo to Green Bay for second-round selections in 1974 and 1975. The Dolphins used those picks on Andre Tillman and Freddie Solomon, both of whom became multi-season contributors, while Del Gaizo went 2-6 in touchdown-to-interception ratio over eight Packers games. Miami converted a backup quarterback into two productive young players and won decisively.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Jim Del Gaizo
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1974 second round pick (#38-Andre Tillman)
- pick 1975 second round pick (#36-Freddie Solomon (b. 1953-01-11))
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Miami moved quarterback Jim Del Gaizo to Green Bay on August 22, 1973 for two future second-round selections, one in 1974 and one in 1975. The first became No. 38 overall, used on tight end Andre Tillman. The second became No. 36, used on Freddie Solomon. The price was substantial for Green Bay because both selections sat early enough to carry real roster-building value.
Miami Return
The Dolphins converted those choices into two players who contributed for multiple seasons. Tillman appeared regularly for Miami from 1975 through 1978 and became a frequent starter at tight end. Solomon supplied receiving and rushing value for Miami from 1975 through 1977 before continuing a long NFL career elsewhere. The key point is direct Dolphins production: both selected players reached the field repeatedly for Miami, giving the club years of useful output from the two picks acquired for a reserve quarterback.
Green Bay Return
Del Gaizo did play for the Packers, so this was not a zero-value acquisition. His 1973 line shows eight games and three starts, with 318 passing yards, two touchdown passes, six interceptions, and a 30.9 passer rating. That short stint did not establish a lasting quarterback solution, and he was no longer with Green Bay the following season. The Packers therefore received a brief, ineffective run of quarterback play after surrendering two second-round choices.
Final Verdict
Miami wins decisively. Two second-round picks became Tillman and Solomon, both multi-season Dolphins contributors, while Del Gaizo provided only eight games and struggled badly as a passer in Green Bay. A- for Miami reflects the excellent conversion of a reserve quarterback into two useful young players. D+ for Green Bay recognizes that Del Gaizo did make starts, but the return fell far short of the premium draft capital surrendered.