Miami sent special-teams standout Brendon Ayanbadejo to…
Miami sent special-teams standout Brendon Ayanbadejo to Chicago for tight end John Owens and a conditional pick that became the 233rd selection in 2006, used on Devin Aromashodu. Owens made little impact and Aromashodu did not become a meaningful Dolphin. Ayanbadejo became an elite Bears special teamer and earned Pro Bowl recognition, giving Chicago a decisive win despite Miami receiving two assets.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Brendon Ayanbadejo
Miami Dolphins Received
- player John Owens
- pick 2006 7th round pick (233rd overall, Devin Aromashodu)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
The Dolphins were reshaping their roster under Nick Saban and dealt Ayanbadejo late in the preseason despite his strong special-teams reputation. Chicago valued exactly that skill set and was willing to send tight end John Owens plus a conditional draft choice. The condition was satisfied, and Miami ultimately received the 233rd pick in the 2006 draft in addition to Owens.
What the Returns Produced
Ayanbadejo became one of the NFL's premier special-teams players in Chicago. He earned Pro Bowl recognition during his Bears tenure and was part of the club that reached Super Bowl XLI. Owens gave Miami little offensive production. The conditional seventh-rounder became Devin Aromashodu, a receiver who did not establish meaningful value for the Dolphins before later continuing his career elsewhere.
How the Value Developed
Miami at least received two pieces, and the seventh-round pick did convey, so the original transaction record needs to include more than a one-for-one player swap. The problem for the Dolphins is that neither return asset became important for them. Chicago acquired a player whose specialty directly improved a contending team's field position and coverage units for multiple seasons.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Special-teams value is easy to underrate when comparing trades because it rarely produces headline statistics. Ayanbadejo's repeated honors and central role on a strong Bears team make the impact clear. Miami's additional pick improves its side from disastrous to merely weak, but Chicago still received the only durable contributor produced by the exchange.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win is the best fit. Chicago Bears earns a A-, while Miami Dolphins earns a C. Those grades reflect the cost paid, the direct production received, the length and quality of each contribution, and any important downstream value created from draft capital.