Miami acquired tight end Anthony Fasano and linebacker Akin…
Miami acquired tight end Anthony Fasano and linebacker Akin Ayodele from Dallas for the 100th pick in the 2008 draft. Fasano became a productive five-year Dolphin, while Ayodele started for two seasons. Dallas repeatedly moved the incoming pick and ultimately turned the chain into Tashard Choice and Orlando Scandrick, with Scandrick becoming a nine-year Cowboy. Both organizations extracted substantial, durable value from very different paths.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2008 4th round pick (100th overall; later traded to Oakland, with the downstream return producing Tashard Choice and Orlando Scandrick)
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Anthony Fasano
- player Akin Ayodele
Trade Analysis
What Miami Bought
The Dolphins sent the 100th pick to Dallas for Anthony Fasano and Akin Ayodele before the 2008 draft. Miami was rebuilding under Bill Parcells and acquired two known NFL starters instead of using a single fourth-round selection. Fasano immediately became the club's primary receiving tight end, while Ayodele stepped into the linebacker group.
How Miami's Return Developed
Fasano spent five seasons in Miami, catching 177 passes for 2,104 yards and 23 touchdowns. His 2008 season alone produced seven touchdown catches, and he remained a dependable starter through 2012. Ayodele started throughout his two Dolphins seasons and supplied veteran stability during the early phase of the rebuild. That is excellent direct value for one fourth-round pick.
How Dallas Multiplied No. 100
Dallas did not simply make a selection at No. 100. The Cowboys traded it to Oakland for Nos. 104 and 213, then moved No. 104 to Cleveland for Nos. 122 and 155. No. 122 became running back Tashard Choice. Dallas later packaged No. 155 with No. 213 to Jacksonville for No. 143, where it selected Orlando Scandrick. Choice provided useful reserve production, while Scandrick became a nine-season Cowboy and regular secondary starter.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The exchange demonstrates two successful roster-building approaches. Miami preferred immediate established players; Dallas preferred to multiply draft capital. Both strategies worked well enough that forcing a winner would understate one side's return.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Miami and Dallas each earn an A-. Fasano and Ayodele gave the Dolphins years of starting production, while Dallas converted one pick into Choice and a long-term defender in Scandrick. This is a genuine win-win.