Tampa Bay acquired cornerback Jeris White from Miami for a…
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 Dolphins Received
- pick 1978 fifth round pick (#111-Ted Burgmeier)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Jeris White
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Miami traded cornerback Jeris White to Tampa Bay on September 5, 1977 for a fifth-round choice in the 1978 draft. Dolphins historical materials connect that return to No. 111 Ted Burgmeier, providing a club-based link between the trade and the eventual selection.
What Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
White became an immediate starter for the young Buccaneers. He played and started 46 games over three Tampa Bay seasons, intercepting four passes in 1977, five in 1978, and three in 1979. That 12-interception stretch gave Tampa Bay proven secondary production at a modest draft cost.
What Miami Dolphins Received
Miami's fifth-round return became Burgmeier. His entire NFL career lasted eight games, so the selection did not provide anything close to White's three-year run as a full-time Tampa Bay starter. The Dolphins exchanged a productive defensive back for a draft outcome with very limited realized value.
How the Value Developed
The comparison is direct and substantial. Tampa Bay obtained 46 starts and double-digit interceptions during a formative period for the franchise. Miami's pick offered future flexibility but did not become a comparable contributor.
Why the Difference Matters
A fifth-round choice is meaningful but not premium capital. Turning that cost into a starting cornerback who produced for three straight seasons is an excellent standard-tier result. The Dolphins' limited pick outcome cannot offset the difference in actual playing time and defensive production.
Final Verdict
Tampa Bay receives a B+ and Miami receives a D+. The final call is Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win because White delivered the clearly superior football return.