Miami traded Ted Ginn to San Francisco for a fifth-round pick…
Miami traded Ted Ginn to San Francisco for a fifth-round pick and selected cornerback Nolan Carroll. Carroll became a four-year Dolphins contributor, eventually starting regularly in the secondary before continuing a long NFL career. Ginn gave the 49ers speed and valuable return work, including two return touchdowns in 2011, but his offensive role remained limited. Carroll’s larger defensive workload gives Miami the edge.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 2010 5th round pick (145th overall, Nolan Carroll)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Ted Ginn
Trade Analysis
Why San Francisco Acquired Ginn
The 49ers sent a fifth-round pick to Miami in April 2010 for Ted Ginn, a former top-10 selection whose Dolphins tenure had not matched his draft status. San Francisco did not need him to become a No. 1 receiver. The club wanted speed, field-position value and a player who could handle major return duties while adding occasional vertical offense.
What Ginn Gave the 49ers
Ginn spent three seasons in San Francisco. His receiving production was modest—33 catches for 384 yards across 2010 and 2011, followed by only two catches in 2012—but his special-teams impact mattered. In 2011 he returned both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns and helped a 13-win team control field position. He remained a useful specialist during San Francisco’s rise into an NFC contender.
What Miami Received
The Dolphins used the 145th pick on Maryland cornerback Nolan Carroll. Carroll appeared in 103 games during his NFL career and developed into a regular defensive contributor. His first four seasons came in Miami, where he moved from special teams and reserve duty into a larger secondary role. The Dolphins therefore turned a receiver they were ready to move into several seasons of cornerback snaps.
How the Value Compares
Ginn filled a real role and his return ability deserves credit, especially during the 2011 season. Carroll, however, offered more sustained down-to-down value for the team that drafted him. Miami also avoided paying a premium to make the exchange.
Final Verdict
Miami Dolphins Win. Carroll’s four-year Dolphins contribution earns Miami a B. San Francisco gets a C+ because Ginn was a useful returner and situational receiver on strong teams. The trade helped both clubs, but Miami received the more durable team-specific return.