Miami Dolphins received Larry Evans in the 1983-08-15…
Miami Dolphins received Larry Evans in the 1983-08-15 exchange involving Denver Broncos. Evans suffered a severe knee sprain and spent the 1983 season on injured reserve, preventing Miami from receiving meaningful regular-season production from the acquired linebacker. That realized return supports a D grade for Miami Dolphins. The overall verdict is Even Trade, with the grade based on direct value created from this transaction.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Larry Evans
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1985 fifth round pick (#139-Billy Hinson)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Denver sent linebacker Larry Evans to Miami for a 1985 fifth-round pick that became No. 139, Billy Hinson. The deal is judged by the value each club directly realized from the assets it controlled, without assigning later production to a team after an asset had moved elsewhere.
Miami Dolphins Return
Evans suffered a severe knee sprain and spent the 1983 season on injured reserve, preventing Miami from receiving meaningful regular-season production from the acquired linebacker. The D grade reflects that direct outcome in proportion to the cost and scale of the transaction. A minor trade does not need to create a star to be useful, but sustained starts, dependable role value, or retained draft capital matter more than name recognition alone.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver used the fifth-round selection on Billy Hinson, but Hinson never appeared in an NFL regular-season game for the Broncos. The D grade reflects that direct outcome in proportion to the cost and scale of the transaction. A minor trade does not need to create a star to be useful, but sustained starts, dependable role value, or retained draft capital matter more than name recognition alone.
Value in Hindsight
Both sides ended with essentially no direct on-field return. Miami lost the chance to use Evans because of injury, while Denver's draft selection never reached the regular season, leaving no meaningful basis to favor one club. The comparison stays proportional to the size of the exchange and focuses on what each organization actually received while it controlled the acquired player or pick.
Final Verdict
The trade is even at low grades because neither team realized significant direct value. Final grades: Miami Dolphins D, Denver Broncos D. The final verdict is Even Trade.