Miami acquired running back Jeff Wilson from San Francisco at…
Miami acquired running back Jeff Wilson from San Francisco at the 2022 deadline for a 2023 fifth-round pick. Wilson immediately gave the Dolphins familiar, dependable backfield depth and stayed with the club beyond the initial season. San Francisco used the pick on cornerback Darrell Luter Jr., adding a younger, cost-controlled defender. Both teams received useful depth, but the 49ers get a narrow edge for converting a surplus veteran into a multi-year draft asset.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Jeff Wilson
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2023 5th round pick (155th overall, Darrell Luter)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
At the 2022 deadline, Miami sent a 2023 fifth-round pick to San Francisco for running back Jeff Wilson. The move reunited Wilson with coach Mike McDaniel and gave the Dolphins a runner who already understood much of the offensive structure. San Francisco had just acquired Christian McCaffrey, reducing Wilson's role. The 49ers later used Miami's pick, No. 155, on cornerback Darrell Luter Jr.
Why San Francisco Has a Slight Edge
The 49ers sold from a position of surplus at the right time. Rather than carry a veteran back whose touches were about to shrink, they recovered a fifth-round selection and converted it into a young defensive back under team control for multiple seasons. Luter's value came through depth, special teams and occasional defensive work rather than stardom, but that still represents useful cost-controlled return for a player San Francisco could afford to move.
How Miami Fared
Wilson also justified Miami's side of the transaction. He stepped into the rotation immediately, already knew the offense, and gave the Dolphins dependable rushing and pass-protection depth. His stay extended beyond a short rental, which matters when judging the fifth-round cost. Miami was buying certainty at a position where injuries and weekly rotation create constant demand, and Wilson supplied that certainty for more than one season.
Final Verdict
San Francisco earns a B- and Miami a C+. This is close because neither side found a star and both received practical roster value. The 49ers get the narrow win for turning an increasingly redundant veteran into a younger, cheaper player with multiple years of control. Miami's immediate usefulness from Wilson keeps the grade gap small and prevents the trade from looking one-sided.