Miami traded center Mark Dennard to Philadelphia on March 7,…
Miami traded center Mark Dennard to Philadelphia on March 7, 1984, for an undisclosed 1985 draft choice that became the third-round pick at No. 65. The Eagles installed Dennard as their starting center, and he started all 16 games in both 1984 and 1985. Miami used the acquired selection on George Little, whose NFL impact was much smaller.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1985 third round pick (#65-George Little (b))
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Mark Dennard
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Philadelphia acquired center Mark Dennard from Miami in March 1984 for an undisclosed 1985 draft choice. That selection became the third-round pick at No. 65, which Miami used on defensive lineman George Little. The player-for-pick structure in the existing entry is therefore retained, with only the transaction date and public treatment strengthened.
Why the Date Is Settled
Philadelphia's 1984 media guide says the Eagles acquired Dennard from Miami on March 7 for an undisclosed 1985 choice. Pro Football Archives independently records March 7 as the trade date. Pro Sports Transactions places the move on March 6, but the acquiring team's contemporary media guide provides a direct club account and is supported by Dennard's transaction history.
How the Return Played Out
Dennard immediately became Philadelphia's starting center. He started all 16 games in 1984 and all 16 again in 1985, giving the Eagles two full seasons of dependable line play. Miami used the acquired third-round choice on George Little, whose NFL career was brief and did not approach Dennard's two-year starting contribution in Philadelphia.
Value on Both Sides
Miami had Dwight Stephenson established at center, making a trade of Dennard sensible roster management and producing a third-round asset in return. Philadelphia had a direct need and converted the deal into 32 consecutive regular-season starts from an experienced lineman. The Eagles received the clearer realized football value even though Miami's decision was understandable.
Final Verdict
The canonical date is March 7, 1984. Philadelphia retains the win, with the B-minus Eagles grade and D-plus Miami grade reflecting Dennard's immediate two-year starting value against the limited return from the No. 65 selection.