Miami traded punter Tom Orosz to San Francisco near the end…
Miami traded punter Tom Orosz to San Francisco near the end of the 1983 preseason for a 1984 twelfth-round selection. The Dolphins used No. 320 on William Devane, who did not establish an NFL career. Orosz, meanwhile, handled punting duties for the 49ers during the 1983 season and remained with the club into 1984, giving San Francisco the only meaningful professional return.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1984 twelfth round pick (#320-William Devane)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Tom Orosz
Trade Analysis
Why Miami Made the Trade
The Dolphins had a crowded specialist situation late in the 1983 preseason and moved punter Tom Orosz to San Francisco rather than simply lose the roster value. Contemporary reporting documented the deal, and Miami's later draft history identifies the 1984 twelfth-round choice used on William Devane as the selection obtained from the 49ers for Orosz.
What Miami Received
The return was No. 320 in the 1984 draft, near the very end of the twelfth round. Miami selected Devane, but he did not develop into an NFL contributor. Given the location of the pick, that outcome was always a realistic possibility, yet it left the Dolphins without meaningful on-field value from the transaction.
How San Francisco Benefited
Orosz immediately had a usable role. He punted for San Francisco during the 1983 season and remained with the club into 1984. This was not a star acquisition, but specialists can provide direct value when a team has an immediate opening, and the 49ers obtained that service for one of the least valuable draft selections available.
Why the 49ers Win
San Francisco paid a very small price and received actual NFL production. Miami deserves credit for extracting a pick from a player it was prepared to move, but the eventual selection produced no comparable return. The low stakes keep the grades modest even though the winner is clear.
Final Verdict
San Francisco earns a C+ and Miami a D. Orosz gave the 49ers short-term punting value for a twelfth-round choice, while Devane did not become a professional contributor. It is a minor transaction, but San Francisco received more from it.