Miami acquired veteran cornerback Ken Ellis from Houston…
Miami acquired veteran cornerback Ken Ellis from Houston during the 1976 season and received a short-term defensive contributor. Ellis appeared in 12 games with five starts for the Dolphins. The cost became much more significant when Houston used Miami's 1977 third-round choice on Jimmie Giles and also held a fourth-round selection, giving the Oilers the stronger return.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Ken Ellis
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 1977 third round pick (#70-Jimmie Giles)
- pick 1977 fourth round pick (#98-Warren Anderson)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Miami acquired Ken Ellis from Houston on September 21, 1976, for two choices in the 1977 draft. Transaction records identify the selections as No. 70, used on Jimmie Giles, and No. 98, used on Warren Anderson. Ellis was an established defensive back, so Miami paid for immediate veteran help while Houston chose future draft capital.
What Miami Received
Ellis did contribute. NFL statistics credit him with 12 games and five starts for Miami in 1976, giving the Dolphins a usable veteran in the secondary. That keeps the move from being a complete miss. His Miami tenure, however, did not provide enough sustained value to justify the combined cost of third- and fourth-round selections.
What Houston Received
Houston used the higher pick on Giles, a talented tight end who began his career with the Oilers. His greatest accomplishments came later with Tampa Bay, so Houston should not receive full credit for his entire four-Pro-Bowl career. Even so, selecting a player of that caliber with Miami's pick, while also owning another fourth-round choice, gave the Oilers a strong asset package.
Why the Value Landed Here
Miami bought short-term help at a meaningful draft price. Houston converted one veteran into two chances to add young talent and hit on the more valuable selection. Giles' later stardom elsewhere should be treated as evidence of the quality of the asset rather than as Houston production, but the direct value still favors the Oilers.
Final Verdict
Houston receives an A and Miami receives a C-. Ellis gave the Dolphins legitimate 1976 snaps, yet the two-pick cost was too rich compared with Houston's return. The Oilers win because their future capital produced more durable and flexible value.