Miami received fullback Jim Braxton and Washington's 1979…
Miami received fullback Jim Braxton and Washington's 1979 third-round pick at No. 80. Braxton's Dolphins stay was brief, but Miami later used the No. 80 selection in the March 1979 deal for safety Neal Colzie, preserving meaningful value from the draft asset. The hindsight grade is B-, with the overall verdict recorded as Miami Dolphins Win.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Jim Braxton
- pick 1979 third round pick (#80) [later traded to Las Vegas/Oakland Raiders for Neal Colzie]
Washington Commanders Received
- player Benny Malone (Benjamin Malone Jr.)
- pick 1980 fifth round pick (#132-Daniel Jacobs)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Miami Dolphins received Jim Braxton and 1979 third round pick (#80) [later traded to Las Vegas/Oakland Raiders for Neal Colzie], while Washington Redskins/Commanders received Benny Malone (Benjamin Malone Jr.) and 1980 fifth round pick (#132-Daniel Jacobs). The deal is judged by what those assets actually produced after the exchange, including supported downstream draft outcomes.
What Miami Dolphins Received
Miami received fullback Jim Braxton and Washington's 1979 third-round pick at No. 80. Braxton's Dolphins stay was brief, but Miami later used the No. 80 selection in the March 1979 deal for safety Neal Colzie, preserving meaningful value from the draft asset.
What Washington Redskins/Commanders Received
Washington received Benny Malone and a 1980 fifth-round pick. Malone played nine games after the trade and then started all 16 games in 1979, rushing for 472 yards that season. The return supplied immediate backfield help, though it was not a long-lasting piece.
How the Value Developed
Both sides received something useful, which keeps the grade spread modest. Miami's advantage comes from retaining a third-round asset that became part of another veteran acquisition while Washington's main player return lasted only through 1979. That comparison focuses on the contribution each acquiring club actually received rather than treating the original draft slot or veteran reputation as value by itself.
Why the Difference Matters
This was a standard-tier transaction, so the grades should reflect the size of the practical football difference without turning a useful role player into a franchise-defining asset. Longevity, starting responsibility, production, and any well-supported downstream pick result all matter. The side with the better combination of those outcomes deserves the stronger grade, while a short or empty return remains near the middle or lower end of the scale.
Final Verdict
Miami Dolphins receives a B- and Washington Redskins/Commanders receives a C+. The final call is Miami Dolphins Win. Both sides received something useful, which keeps the grade spread modest. Miami's advantage comes from retaining a third-round asset that became part of another veteran acquisition while Washington's main player return lasted only through 1979.