Miami acquired Delvin Williams and immediately received a…
Miami acquired Delvin Williams and immediately received a 1,258-yard rushing season in 1978. Williams remained a significant part of the Dolphins backfield through 1980, giving Miami three seasons of real offensive production. The cost was enormous, however: San Francisco received Freddie Solomon, Vern Roberson and two draft picks, including the first-rounder used on Dan Bunz.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Delvin Williams
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Vern Roberson
- player Freddie Solomon (b. 1953-01-11)
- pick 1978 first round pick (#24-Dan Bunz)
- pick 1978 fifth round pick (#133-Bruce Threadgill)
Trade Analysis
Miami paid a major package for a proven running back in April 1978, sending San Francisco wide receiver Freddie Solomon, safety Vern Roberson, its 1978 first-round pick and a fifth-round pick for Delvin Williams. The Dolphins were not disappointed immediately. Williams rushed for 1,258 yards and eight touchdowns in 1978, then remained a substantial backfield contributor in 1979 and 1980.
That performance matters when grading Miami. Williams was not a failed acquisition or a short rental; he gave the Dolphins three seasons of meaningful offensive output and produced the best rushing season of the trade’s immediate aftermath. A B+ properly recognizes that Miami received a high-level player who performed as advertised.
San Francisco, however, received more total value and more duration. Solomon became a regular 49ers receiver through 1985 and was part of the club’s rise into a championship team. The first-round selection, No. 24 overall, became linebacker Dan Bunz, who played seven seasons in San Francisco and contributed to the defense that won Super Bowl XVI. The fifth-round pick and Roberson added further asset depth. One data cleanup is also necessary: Solomon was a player transferred in the trade, not a draft pick.
The 49ers therefore earn an A for turning one productive running back into multiple long-term contributors, including two players who remained through the franchise’s early Super Bowl era. Miami’s B+ reflects substantial realized value from Williams. This was a good acquisition for the Dolphins, but San Francisco’s broader and longer-lasting package makes it the winner. Both sides still received meaningful value.