Miami traded running back Karim Abdul-Jabbar to Cleveland at…
Miami traded running back Karim Abdul-Jabbar to Cleveland at the 1999 deadline for a 2000 sixth-round pick. Abdul-Jabbar had already produced three 1,000-yard seasons in Miami but was nearing the end of his career. Cleveland received only a short-term backfield option, while Miami used the pick on Ernest Grant, a defensive tackle who played 24 NFL games. Neither side generated major lasting value.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Karim Abdul-Jabbar
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 2000 6th round pick (167th overall, Ernest Grant)
Trade Analysis
Why Miami Moved On
Karim Abdul-Jabbar had been a productive Dolphins running back, including a 1,116-yard rookie season in 1996, but by October 1999 Miami was ready to turn the veteran into future draft capital. Cleveland surrendered a sixth-round pick in the 2000 draft. The price reflected Abdul-Jabbar’s stage of career: he had a proven résumé, yet he was no longer being valued as a long-term starting back.
What Cleveland Received
Cleveland added an experienced runner to a young expansion roster. Abdul-Jabbar’s career totals were substantial, with 3,411 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns, but most of that production came before the trade. His remaining NFL tenure was short, and he did not become a foundational piece for the Browns. Because the acquisition cost was only a sixth-rounder, the limited return was disappointing rather than disastrous.
What Miami Got From the Pick
The Dolphins used the 167th overall selection on defensive tackle Ernest Grant. Grant played 24 NFL games, including 13 over two seasons with Miami, and started three times in his career. That is a reasonable depth outcome for a sixth-round pick but not enough to make the trade a strong Miami victory. The Dolphins did at least convert a declining veteran into a younger roster piece with multiple seasons of league service.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Miami earns a C+ for extracting a future pick from a veteran nearing the end of his career and turning it into a serviceable depth player. Cleveland receives a C because Abdul-Jabbar brought experience but little lasting impact. The cost was low, the returns were modest and neither side created enough surplus value to claim a decisive win.