Miami traded quarterback David Woodley to Pittsburgh on…
Miami traded quarterback David Woodley to Pittsburgh on February 21, 1984 for a 1984 third-round pick, No. 79 overall. Woodley started 13 games across 1984 and 1985 for the Steelers and provided useful quarterback depth. Miami later used No. 79 as part of its move up for Jackie Shipp. Both clubs turned the transaction into meaningful, though not franchise-defining, value.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1984 third round pick (#79-Sean McNanie)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player David Woodley
Trade Analysis
Why Pittsburgh Acquired Woodley
The Steelers acquired David Woodley from Miami in February 1984 to strengthen a quarterback room entering a transition period. The realized direct compensation was Miami’s 1984 third-round selection, No. 79 overall. Contemporary reports discussed the possibility of an additional future condition, but the historical transaction record reflects the third-round pick as the realized asset.
What Woodley Delivered
Woodley gave Pittsburgh immediate starting capacity. He started seven games in 1984 and six more in 1985. He did not become a long-term franchise quarterback, but 13 starts over two seasons represented legitimate value for a team seeking an experienced option. The Steelers received more than a brief emergency appearance from the veteran.
What Miami Did With the Pick
Miami controlled No. 79 as a direct result of the trade. The Dolphins soon included that selection in the package used to move from No. 26 to No. 14 in the 1984 draft, where they selected linebacker Jackie Shipp. Shipp later became a multi-year Miami starter. The full value of Shipp cannot be assigned solely to No. 79 because other assets were involved, but the Woodley return remained useful draft currency.
How the Value Settled
Pittsburgh obtained 13 starts from a veteran quarterback, while Miami preserved and redeployed a meaningful third-round asset. Neither side created a dominant advantage, and each received a form of value that matched its immediate objective.
Final Verdict
Miami and Pittsburgh each receive a B-. Woodley provided real short-term quarterback service, while the Dolphins used the acquired pick as part of a productive draft maneuver. The direct results are close enough to call this an Even Trade.