On 1991-04-21, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins completed a…
On 1991-04-21, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins completed a deal whose long-term value became clearer after the players and draft choices developed. McKyer started all 16 games for Atlanta in 1991, intercepted six passes and remained a starter for 15 more games in 1992. The team-specific comparison favors Atlanta because McKyer delivered exactly the immediate starting value the Falcons purchased. The result is Atlanta Falcons Win, with Atlanta Falcons graded B+ and Miami Dolphins graded C.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Tim McKyer
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1991 third round pick (#60-Aaron Craver)
- pick 1991 twelfth round pick (#331-Joe Brunson (b. 1968-10-15))
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Miami traded veteran cornerback Tim McKyer to Atlanta during the 1991 draft for the Falcons' third- and twelfth-round choices. The Dolphins used No. 60 on running back Aaron Craver and No. 331 on Joe Brunson. Atlanta was paying draft capital for an experienced corner who already had two Super Bowl rings and could step directly into a defense built around aggressive coverage and pressure.
What Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins Received
McKyer started all 16 games for Atlanta in 1991, intercepted six passes and remained a starter for 15 more games in 1992. Craver had a long NFL career overall, but his Miami contribution was limited: he never started a regular-season game for the Dolphins and was primarily a reserve runner and returner during his three Miami seasons. Brunson did not become an NFL regular-season contributor.
How the Value Developed
The team-specific comparison favors Atlanta because McKyer delivered exactly the immediate starting value the Falcons purchased. His six interceptions in 1991 helped a playoff team, and his second season added another year of substantial cornerback snaps. Miami's most successful acquired player, Craver, became more productive later with Denver and other clubs; those later seasons do not belong to the Dolphins' side of this trade.
Final Verdict
Atlanta Falcons Win. Miami gained two draft opportunities and Craver supplied some reserve and return value, so the Dolphins were not left empty-handed. Atlanta nevertheless received two seasons of starting cornerback play, including a six-interception first year, for picks that did not become comparable Miami contributors. Atlanta earns a B+ and Miami a C, reversing the older result that overstated Miami's return.