Miami sent tackle Darryl Carlton to Tampa Bay for veteran…
Miami sent tackle Darryl Carlton to Tampa Bay for veteran tackle Mike Current and the Buccaneers' 1978 fifth-round pick. Current started 45 games for the Dolphins from 1977 through 1979. Miami later returned the same fifth-round asset to Tampa Bay in a separate August 30 trade for Steve Young, so Young is a downstream use of the pick rather than a direct asset in this exchange.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Mike Current
- pick 1978 fifth round pick (returned to Tampa Bay on Aug. 30, 1977 for Steve Young)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Darryl Carlton
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Miami traded Darryl Carlton to Tampa Bay on August 8, 1977 for Mike Current and the Buccaneers' 1978 fifth-round pick. Dolphins historical materials also show that Miami sent that same fifth-round asset back to Tampa Bay on August 30 in a separate trade for offensive tackle Steve Young. Young is therefore downstream value from the pick, not a direct August 8 acquisition.
What Miami Dolphins Received
Current became the strongest direct piece. NFL records show him starting all 14 games in 1977, 15 of 16 in 1978, and all 16 in 1979. That gave Miami 45 starts in three seasons. The extra fifth-round asset also retained transaction value before Miami used it later that month.
What Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
Carlton also became a useful starter. He appeared in 43 Tampa Bay games from 1977 through 1979 and started 27 of them. The Buccaneers therefore received real offensive-line value rather than an empty return.
How the Value Developed
This was a productive exchange for both teams, but Miami gained more. Current started 18 more games than Carlton during their respective three-season runs, and Miami also controlled the fifth-round asset long enough to use it in another deal.
Why the Difference Matters
The pick's later movement should be described accurately without turning Young into a direct asset received for Carlton. Even without counting Young as direct value, Current's 45 starts plus the temporary draft asset give Miami the edge.
Final Verdict
Miami receives a B+ and Tampa Bay receives a B-. The final call is Miami Dolphins Win, while Carlton's 27 Buccaneers starts keep Tampa Bay's grade respectable.