Dallas received Adam Jones and, after his 2008 suspension…
Dallas received Adam Jones and, after his 2008 suspension triggered a trade clause, also received Tennessee's 2009 fifth-round pick at No. 166, later used on Michael Hamlin. Jones did contribute for the Cowboys, but the tenure was short and turbulent. The additional pick keeps Dallas from grading poorly, yet the total return remains only a C+.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Adam Jones
- pick 2009 fifth round pick (#166-Michael Hamlin)
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 2008 4th round pick (126th overall, Lavelle Hawkins )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Dallas acquired Adam Jones from Tennessee in April 2008 for a fourth-round pick, but the completed compensation became more complicated than that headline package. Tennessee used the No. 126 selection on Lavelle Hawkins. The agreement also contained 2009 conditions tied to Jones' availability. His later suspension triggered Tennessee's fifth-round pick, No. 166, going to Dallas, while the Cowboys' conditional sixth-round pick to Tennessee did not convey.
Dallas Cowboys Return
The Cowboys received Jones and later the No. 166 pick, which became Michael Hamlin. Jones did get on the field for Dallas, so this was not a zero-return acquisition, and the triggered fifth-rounder gave the Cowboys an additional asset after the suspension. Still, Jones' stay was brief and did not develop into the stable high-end cornerback outcome Dallas had hoped to unlock. The extra pick softens the result more than it changes it.
Tennessee Titans Return
Tennessee converted the primary 2008 selection into Hawkins. He never became a featured receiver, but he remained with the Titans for multiple seasons and provided real depth and receiving production. That kind of sustained roster value matters in a mid-round trade. Tennessee did have to surrender the later fifth-round pick after Jones' suspension, but Hawkins still gave the Titans the clearest durable football return from the transaction.
Value in Hindsight
The conditional compensation keeps this from being judged as a simple Jones-for-Hawkins trade. Dallas deserves credit for receiving the later fifth-rounder, and Jones did contribute. Tennessee, however, turned its principal return into a player who stayed and helped for several seasons. The difference is meaningful without being overwhelming, which is why the grades stay in the middle range.
Final Verdict
Tennessee Titans Win. Tennessee earns a B- for the longer-lasting value from Hawkins, while Dallas receives a C+ after a short Jones tenure partially offset by the triggered 2009 fifth-round pick.