Miami acquired defensive back Neal Colzie from the Raiders in…
Miami acquired defensive back Neal Colzie from the Raiders in March 1979 for a third-round selection, No. 80. Colzie immediately started all 16 games for the Dolphins and intercepted five passes in his lone Miami season. The Raiders retained useful draft value and later combined No. 80 with another pick in the deal for defensive lineman Dave Pear, so their return was not empty. Colzie's direct full-season impact gives Miami a narrow, defensible edge.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1979 third round pick (#80) [later traded with 1979 second round pick (#33-Greg Roberts (b)) to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Dave Pear]
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Neal Colzie
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Miami sought veteran secondary help and acquired Neal Colzie for a third-round pick. The Raiders were willing to convert the defensive back into draft capital. At No. 80, the selection had enough value to matter but was not a premium first-day asset, making the deal a reasonable exchange of immediate experience for future flexibility.
What Miami Received
Colzie gave the Dolphins a strong immediate season. NFL records show 16 starts in 1979 and five interceptions. He did not become a long-term Miami player, moving on after that season, but a full schedule of starting defensive-back play with takeaway production is meaningful value for a third-round price. Miami knew exactly what it was buying: a veteran who could help immediately.
What the Raiders Received
Oakland received No. 80 and later included that selection with No. 33 in a trade with Tampa Bay for defensive lineman Dave Pear. The later move proves the third-rounder retained practical market value. Still, the Raiders should not receive full credit for Pear because another, more valuable selection was required to complete that deal. The correct view is that No. 80 contributed to a useful later acquisition.
How the Value Developed
Both sides extracted something from the exchange. Miami received the clearer direct result: one complete season of starting play and five interceptions. Oakland preserved the pick and used it as part of another move rather than wasting it. Raising the Raiders from C- to C better reflects that retained value while still recognizing Miami's more immediate and independently measurable return.
Final Verdict
Miami earns a C+ and the Raiders a C. Colzie's 16 starts and five interceptions give the Dolphins the narrow edge, while Oakland deserves credit for carrying the pick into the later Pear package. The trade favors Miami, but only slightly.