The 2000 Joey Galloway Trade: Seattle Turned One Receiver Into Two First-Round Picks
Dallas paid first-round picks in 2000 and 2001 for Joey Galloway. Seattle used the first on Shaun Alexander, the future league MVP, and retained another premium first-round asset.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Joey Galloway
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 2000 1st round pick (19th overall, Shaun Alexander )
- pick 2001 1st round pick (7th overall subsequently traded, Andre Carter )
Trade Summary
Dallas sent two first-round picks to Seattle for Joey Galloway. Galloway tore his ACL in his first Cowboys game and later supplied several productive seasons, but the price remained far too high. Seattle used the first pick on Shaun Alexander, who became the 2005 NFL MVP and the franchise's all-time rushing leader, while retaining additional first-round value.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Dallas acquired wide receiver Joey Galloway from Seattle in February 2000 for first-round picks in both the 2000 and 2001 drafts. Seattle used the 2000 selection, No. 19 overall, on running back Shaun Alexander. The second first-round pick remained premium capital and was later involved in another draft transaction.
Why Dallas Paid the Price
The Cowboys were trying to extend the competitive life of an aging offensive core and wanted an explosive receiver opposite their existing weapons. Galloway had led Seattle in receiving in three consecutive seasons before the trade, so Dallas was buying a proven vertical threat rather than a developmental prospect.
Why the Deal Went Wrong Quickly
Galloway tore his ACL in his first regular-season game for Dallas and lost nearly the entire 2000 season. He returned and produced useful seasons for the Cowboys, but the initial injury magnified an already enormous acquisition price. Two first-round picks require star-level, sustained impact, not merely competent veteran production.
What Seattle Received
Alexander made the trade historically lopsided. He became Seattle's franchise leader in major rushing categories and won the 2005 NFL MVP award while powering the offense to a Super Bowl appearance. Seattle's own trade history directly ties the No. 19 pick to Alexander, giving the Seahawks a clean, traceable payoff from the transaction.
The Long-Term Legacy
Veteran receiver trades are often judged by immediate production, but this one became a lesson in opportunity cost. Dallas gave up two premium chances to add young talent and received an injury-shortened start followed by solid, not transformative, production.
Final Verdict
The Seattle Seahawks Win verdict is overwhelming. Galloway still had value, but Alexander alone surpassed the return Dallas received, and Seattle also controlled a second first-round asset.