Dallas sent defensive lineman Zefross Moss to Indianapolis on…
Dallas sent defensive lineman Zefross Moss to Indianapolis on August 22, 1989 for a 1990 tenth-round pick, later used on Jim Szymanski. The transaction was separate from the same-day Chuck Ehin deal. Moss did not become a major Colts contributor, while Szymanski was a late-round selection with limited NFL impact. With neither side extracting substantial long-term value, the cleanly separated trade belongs in the even range.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1990 tenth round pick (#259-Jim Szymanski)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Zefross Moss
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Dallas and Indianapolis completed two separate trades on August 22, 1989. This entry covers only the Zefross Moss transaction: the Cowboys sent Moss to the Colts and received Indianapolis' 1990 tenth-round selection in return. That pick became No. 259 and was used on Jim Szymanski. The same-day Chuck Ehin exchange was a distinct transaction with separate conditional compensation and is not part of this package.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas converted Moss, a depth defensive lineman, into a late draft choice. The tenth-round selection gave the Cowboys another inexpensive roster opportunity, but Szymanski did not become a meaningful long-term NFL contributor. The return therefore has value mainly as a clean asset conversion rather than as a successful player-development story. Dallas did not lose a major piece, but it also did not turn the acquired pick into a substantial competitive advantage.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Indianapolis received Moss directly rather than waiting for a future late-round selection to develop. That gave the Colts an immediate player for the defensive front at a very low acquisition cost. Moss did not become an important long-term Colts contributor, so the certainty of receiving a veteran did not translate into a major football payoff. The move was inexpensive and understandable, but its realized value remained limited.
Value in Hindsight
Once the two August 22 transactions are separated, the comparison becomes straightforward. Dallas received a tenth-round pick that produced little lasting value, while Indianapolis received a depth player who likewise did not become a significant contributor. The original cost was low on both sides, and neither team found an unexpected star. There is no need to force a winner from a transaction whose practical football consequences were minimal.
Final Verdict
Both Dallas and Indianapolis receive a C, making this an Even Trade. The Cowboys gained a late draft chance, and the Colts gained an immediate depth player, but neither asset developed into meaningful long-term value. The most important historical point is keeping this exchange separate from the Chuck Ehin deal; judged on its own merits, the result is balanced and low impact.