Tampa Bay acquired offensive tackle Cornell Green from Miami…
Tampa Bay acquired offensive tackle Cornell Green from Miami in August 2002 for a 2003 seventh-round pick. Green appeared in all 16 games and made three starts for the Buccaneers during their Super Bowl championship season, providing useful line depth. Miami later moved the acquired late-round selection rather than turning it into a direct long-term contributor. At such a small cost, Tampa Bay received the more valuable and timely return.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 2003 7th round pick (247th overall subsequently traded, Casey Moore )
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Cornell Green
Trade Analysis
Why Tampa Bay Added Green
The Buccaneers were building a veteran roster capable of contending immediately, and offensive-line depth was valuable insurance. Cornell Green was not acquired to be a marquee starter. He was a relatively inexpensive tackle who could dress, provide depth and step into the lineup when needed. Tampa Bay paid only a future seventh-round selection, keeping the downside of the move extremely low.
What Green Delivered in 2002
Green appeared in all 16 regular-season games for Tampa Bay and made three starts. That level of availability matters for an eventual Super Bowl champion because depth players can stabilize a position group through injuries and weekly lineup changes. Green’s role was modest compared with the stars on the roster, but the Buccaneers received exactly the kind of usable veteran contribution that a late-round trade is supposed to buy.
How Miami’s Return Compared
Miami received a 2003 seventh-round pick, listed in the transaction chain as the 247th overall selection before it was subsequently moved. Acquiring any draft asset for a player a club is willing to part with can be sensible, and that is why the Dolphins still receive a passing grade. Yet seventh-round capital carries limited expected value, and Miami did not obtain a direct contributor from this transaction who matched Green’s immediate role in Tampa Bay.
Final Verdict
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win. The Buccaneers earn a B because they paid a very small price for a tackle who appeared in every game during a championship season and supplied three starts. Miami receives a C for recovering late draft capital but not turning the exchange into comparable football value. The gap is not enormous because the price was low, but Tampa Bay clearly received the more useful return.