The 2010 Dez Bryant-Devin McCourty Trade: Both Teams Found Franchise Players
Dallas moved from No. 27 to No. 24 for Dez Bryant, while New England dropped three spots for Devin McCourty and added a third-round pick. Both clubs landed players who defined the next decade.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2010 1st round pick (24th overall, Dez Bryant )
- pick 2010 4th round pick (119th overall subsequently traded, A.J. Edds )
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2010 1st round pick (27th overall, Devin McCourty )
- pick 2010 3rd round pick (90th overall, Taylor Price )
Trade Summary
Dallas moved from No. 27 to No. 24 in the 2010 draft and selected Dez Bryant. Bryant became the franchise's career leader in receiving touchdowns and a three-time Pro Bowler. New England moved down, added a third-round selection and drafted Devin McCourty at No. 27. McCourty became a longtime captain and a core member of three Super Bowl championship teams.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Dallas sent the 27th pick and a third-round selection, No. 90, to New England for picks No. 24 and No. 119. The Cowboys used No. 24 on wide receiver Dez Bryant. New England used No. 27 on defensive back Devin McCourty and No. 90 on receiver Taylor Price. Dallas later moved the fourth-rounder in another transaction.
Why Dallas Was Right to Move Up
Bryant became one of the most productive receivers in Cowboys history. He developed into a dominant red-zone target, earned All-Pro recognition and set the franchise career record for receiving touchdowns. Dallas gave up only three draft slots plus a third-rounder to secure a player who became an offensive centerpiece.
Why New England Was Also Right
McCourty became even more durable. He spent all 13 NFL seasons with New England, served as a team captain for 12 of them and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams. The Patriots drafted him after moving down and also gained an additional third-round selection, exactly the kind of asset-efficiency trade New England often sought.
The Transaction Is Better Than Its Winner Label
Most draft-day moves produce a clear regret for one side. This one did not. Bryant's peak as a receiver justified Dallas' aggression. McCourty's longevity, leadership and championship résumé justified New England's trade-down.
The Long-Term Legacy
The extra pieces did not determine the deal. The two first-round selections did, and both teams hit.
Final Verdict
An Even Trade is the most accurate interpretation. Dallas acquired a franchise receiver; New England acquired a 13-year defensive leader and extra capital. Each team executed its preferred strategy and received elite long-term value.
Bryant became Dallas' career receiving-touchdown leader, while McCourty became a longtime New England captain and core member of three championship teams, overall in the seasons that followed.