Miami acquired nose tackle Jason Ferguson and the 195th pick…
Miami acquired nose tackle Jason Ferguson and the 195th pick from Dallas for pick No. 167 and a 2009 sixth-rounder, No. 197. Ferguson became an immediate Dolphins starter and helped anchor the middle of the defense, while Miami used No. 195 on guard Donald Thomas. Dallas selected Erik Walden and Stephen Hodge with the two incoming choices, but neither created meaningful Cowboys value. The complete compensation strengthens Miami's already favorable result.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2008 6th round pick (167th overall, Erik Walden)
- pick 2009 6th round pick (197th overall, Stephen Hodge)
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Jason Ferguson
- pick 2008 6th round pick (195th overall, Donald Thomas)
Trade Analysis
What the Full Package Was
Miami's February 2008 deal with Dallas included more than the single sixth-round pick shown in the older record. The Dolphins received veteran nose tackle Jason Ferguson and 2008 pick No. 195. Dallas received 2008 pick No. 167 plus Miami's 2009 sixth-rounder, which became No. 197. Accurately including that future choice is important because it gave the Cowboys two separate opportunities to recover value.
Why Miami Made the Move
Ferguson had extensive experience in the defensive system Miami was installing and immediately became a starting presence in the middle. He helped stabilize the run defense during the Dolphins' dramatic 2008 turnaround and remained an important interior defender into the following season. Miami also used No. 195 on guard Donald Thomas, adding another roster piece to the transaction.
What Dallas Received
The Cowboys selected linebacker Erik Walden at No. 167 and linebacker Stephen Hodge at No. 197 the following year. Walden did not establish himself in Dallas before continuing his career elsewhere, while Hodge was unable to become a regular-season Cowboys contributor. Dallas therefore received the full draft compensation it negotiated but failed to turn either choice into meaningful on-field value for the club.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The corrected package makes Dallas' side more substantial on paper, but it does not change the hindsight result. Miami acquired the best direct contributor in the exchange and also retained a draft selection.
Final Verdict
Miami Dolphins Win. Miami earns a B+ for Ferguson's immediate starting value plus the additional pick. Dallas receives a D+ because two sixth-round opportunities produced little Cowboys return. The missing 2009 selection changes the factual shape, not the winner.