Miami acquired running back Jimmy DuBose and a 1982…
Miami acquired running back Jimmy DuBose and a 1982 second-round pick, No. 44, from Tampa Bay for Gary Davis and Norris Thomas. DuBose did not become a meaningful Miami contributor, but the future second retained substantial value and later helped Miami assemble another trade package. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, received immediate regular-season service from both Davis and Thomas. The mix of short-term player value and future draft value keeps this exchange even.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Jimmy DuBose
- pick 1982 second round pick (#44-Oliver Luck)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Gary Davis (b)
- player Norris Thomas
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Miami was willing to move two players for a different backfield option and a valuable future selection, while Tampa Bay turned Jimmy DuBose and a future second into players who could help immediately. The transaction was not simply a running-back swap because the 1982 second-round choice gave Miami an asset with value beyond the 1980 season.
What Miami Received
DuBose did not become the centerpiece of the return. His Miami stay produced no meaningful regular-season contribution, which sharply limits the player side of the Dolphins' value. The important part was the 1982 second-round pick, No. 44. Draft-trade records show that Miami later included that selection in the package used to acquire Bob Brudzinski and another pick from the Rams. Even without crediting Miami for everything that later deal produced, the second-rounder clearly retained useful market value.
What Tampa Bay Received
Gary Davis and Norris Thomas supplied the more visible immediate return. Davis appeared in 15 games for Tampa Bay in 1980 and handled extensive kickoff-return work, while Thomas played all 16 games that season and remained with the Buccaneers for several more years. Thomas' multi-season defensive role gives Tampa Bay the strongest direct player outcome from the original exchange.
How the Value Developed
The two sides won in different ways. Tampa Bay obtained actual snaps, return work and defensive service. Miami obtained little from DuBose but preserved a premium future pick that could be redirected. Because later transactions should not be credited entirely to an earlier deal, the No. 44 pick is best treated as retained value rather than as the full value of Brudzinski.
Final Verdict
A C for each team fits the split outcome. Tampa Bay produced more immediate NFL service, especially through Thomas, while Miami retained a second-round asset with genuine future usefulness. Neither return became strong enough on its own to justify a directional verdict, so the trade remains Even.