Miami acquired quarterback Cade McNown and a 2002…
Miami acquired quarterback Cade McNown and a 2002 seventh-round pick from Chicago, while the Bears received a 2002 sixth-rounder and a conditional 2003 pick that ultimately became a sixth-round selection. McNown never appeared in another NFL regular-season game after the trade. Chicago used the 2002 pick on Adrian Peterson, who played 106 career games and rushed for 1,283 yards, giving the Bears a decisive long-term advantage.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 2002 6th round pick (199th overall, Adrian Peterson )
- pick 2003 6th round pick (191st overall, Joe Odom)
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick Cade McNown and 2002 7th round pick (241st overall, Leonard Henry)
Trade Analysis
Why Miami Took the Quarterback Gamble
Cade McNown had been the 12th overall pick only two years earlier, so Miami’s interest was understandable. The Dolphins acquired him to compete for a reserve quarterback role and also received a 2002 seventh-round selection. The price was a 2002 sixth-rounder plus a conditional 2003 pick. Contemporary reporting described the future choice as performance-based, giving Chicago a chance to receive more if McNown revived his career.
What Happened After the Trade
The gamble never developed for Miami. McNown’s final NFL regular-season appearances came with Chicago in 2000, meaning the Dolphins received no game production from the player who drove the deal. The added seventh-round selection became Leonard Henry, but it did not offset the lack of quarterback value. Miami essentially spent future capital on a reclamation attempt that never reached the regular-season field.
How Chicago Turned the Return Into Longevity
Chicago used the 2002 sixth-round pick on Adrian Peterson, the Georgia Southern running back. He played 106 NFL games and rushed for 1,283 yards, providing years of reserve rushing and special-teams value. The conditional 2003 selection ultimately became another sixth-round pick. Neither return was a star asset, but Peterson alone delivered far more usable football than Miami received from McNown.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win. The Bears earn an A- for turning a quarterback they were ready to move on from into future picks and a 106-game contributor. Miami receives a D because the upside case for McNown was understandable, but he never appeared in another regular-season game and the trade produced almost no practical return.