Miami traded quarterback Guy Benjamin to New Orleans on…
Miami traded quarterback Guy Benjamin to New Orleans on August 28, 1980 for a 1981 fourth-round pick and a 1982 seventh-rounder. Benjamin played only two games for the Saints before they moved him again. Miami's fourth-rounder, Sam Greene, did not stick, but seventh-rounder Dan Johnson became a productive Dolphins tight end with 66 games, 34 starts, 1,012 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. Miami won the exchange.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1981 fourth round pick (#84-Sam Greene)
- pick 1982 seventh round pick (#170-Dan Johnson)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Guy Benjamin
Trade Analysis
Why New Orleans Added Benjamin
The Saints acquired quarterback Guy Benjamin from Miami on August 28, 1980 for a 1981 fourth-round pick and a 1982 seventh-round selection. New Orleans was seeking quarterback help and paid two non-premium picks for a player who had already spent time in an NFL system.
What New Orleans Received
Benjamin's direct Saints tenure was extremely short. He appeared in two games in 1980, completing seven of 17 passes for 28 yards with one interception. New Orleans moved him to San Francisco in 1981 for a later sixth-round pick, so the Saints did recover some secondary trade value, but Benjamin never became their answer at quarterback.
What Miami Received
The 1981 fourth-round choice became Sam Greene, who did not make a lasting Dolphins impact. The more important return came from the 1982 seventh-rounder, No. 170, used on Dan Johnson. Johnson played 66 games for Miami, started 34 and caught 94 passes for 1,012 yards and 16 touchdowns from 1983 through 1987.
Why the Seventh-Round Hit Decides It
Late-round picks normally carry limited expectations. Turning one into a multi-year tight end with 16 receiving touchdowns created far more team-specific value than the Saints received from Benjamin. New Orleans' later ability to trade Benjamin keeps its grade above the bottom tier, but it does not erase Miami's successful player development.
Final Verdict
Miami earns an A- and New Orleans a C. The Dolphins converted the package into Dan Johnson's sustained production, while Benjamin barely played for the Saints. Miami Dolphins Win reflects the substantial long-term gap.