The 2000 Joey Galloway Trade: Seattle Turned One Receiver Into Shaun Alexander and Another First
Dallas sent consecutive first-round picks to Seattle for Joey Galloway. The Seahawks used those selections on Shaun Alexander and Koren Robinson, while Galloway lost his first Cowboys season to a torn ACL.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Joey Galloway
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 2000 1st round pick (19th overall, Shaun Alexander )
- pick 2001 1st round pick (7th overall, subsequently traded)
Trade Summary
Dallas sent first-round picks in consecutive drafts to Seattle for Joey Galloway. Galloway tore his ACL in his first Cowboys game and later supplied several productive seasons, but the price remained excessive. Seattle used the 2000 pick on league MVP Shaun Alexander and retained another premium first-round asset in 2001.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Dallas acquired Joey Galloway from Seattle in February 2000 for first-round picks in both the 2000 and 2001 drafts. The Seahawks used No. 19 in 2000 on running back Shaun Alexander and No. 7 in 2001 on receiver Koren Robinson after the asset remained in Seattle's draft plan.
Why Dallas Paid So Much
Galloway had been Seattle's leading receiver in three consecutive seasons and brought elite vertical speed. Dallas was trying to extend the competitive life of an aging offensive core and wanted an established explosive target rather than waiting for two rookies to develop.
The trade went wrong immediately when Galloway tore his ACL in his first regular-season game with the Cowboys. He returned and produced several respectable seasons, but Dallas never received performance remotely proportional to two first-round selections.
Why Seattle's Return Was Transformative
Alexander became the defining asset. He grew into the Seahawks' all-time rushing leader, won the 2005 league MVP award and powered Seattle to its first Super Bowl appearance. Robinson also led the Seahawks in receiving in 2002. Seattle therefore received both a franchise-level star and additional first-round production.
The Long-Term Legacy
This is one of the clearest examples of the opportunity cost attached to veteran trades. Dallas did receive a legitimate NFL receiver; the problem was surrendering two premium chances that Seattle converted into substantially more value.
Final Verdict
The Seattle Seahawks Win verdict is overwhelming. Galloway's later production keeps Dallas from receiving no credit, but Alexander alone surpassed the Cowboys' return, and Seattle also controlled another top-seven selection.