Miami acquired wide receiver David Boston from San Diego in…
Miami acquired wide receiver David Boston from San Diego in 2004 for cornerback Jamar Fletcher and a 2005 sixth-round pick. Boston missed the entire 2004 season with a knee injury and caught only four passes for 80 yards in five games for Miami in 2005. Fletcher played 30 games for the Chargers over two seasons, while the pick became Wes Sims. Modest value was enough for San Diego to win clearly.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Jamar Fletcher
- pick 2005 6th round pick (177th overall, Wes Sims)
Miami Dolphins Received
- player David Boston
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Miami sought a high-upside receiving weapon and acquired David Boston from San Diego in March 2004. The Chargers received cornerback Jamar Fletcher and a sixth-round pick in the 2005 draft, which became No. 177. Boston had produced 880 receiving yards and seven touchdowns for San Diego in 2003, so Miami was betting that a former Pro Bowl-caliber receiver could regain his peak form.
What the Returns Produced
The gamble failed almost immediately for Miami. Boston suffered a serious knee injury and did not play during the 2004 regular season. He returned in 2005 but appeared in only five games, catching four passes for 80 yards without a touchdown before his Dolphins tenure ended. San Diego received more modest but tangible value from Fletcher, who played all 16 games in 2004 and appeared in 30 games for the Chargers over two seasons. The sixth-round selection became offensive lineman Wes Sims.
How the Value Developed
Neither Fletcher nor Sims became a long-term Chargers cornerstone, which keeps San Diego's grade below the top range. The comparison is still lopsided because Miami received virtually no production from the centerpiece it acquired. Boston's injury made the deal costly in both roster opportunity and compensation, while San Diego at least obtained two assets and regular-season snaps from Fletcher after deciding to move on.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The trade underscores the risk in acquiring a veteran whose value depends on health and a return to previous form. Miami pursued the higher ceiling, but the outcome left the Dolphins with only four receptions from Boston. San Diego's lower-upside return proved much safer.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Chargers Win is the best fit. The Chargers earn a B- for receiving two assets and two seasons of depth from Fletcher, while Miami earns a D because Boston missed one full season and produced only 80 receiving yards for the Dolphins.