Miami acquired offensive lineman Pat McQuistan from Dallas on…
Miami acquired offensive lineman Pat McQuistan from Dallas on September 4, 2010 for conditional 2011 draft consideration. The condition ultimately produced no pick exchange, while McQuistan played all 16 games and started eight for the Dolphins.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick conditional 2011 sixth-round pick swap (not conveyed)
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Pat McQuistan
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Miami and NFL transaction records confirm the Dolphins acquired Pat McQuistan from Dallas in September 2010 for conditional 2011 draft consideration. Contemporary reporting described the return as an undisclosed 2011 pick, while later Dallas reporting clarified the mechanism: the clubs would swap sixth-round positions only if Miami finished with the worse record.
Miami Return
McQuistan immediately became useful offensive-line depth. Pro Football Reference credits him with all 16 regular-season games and eight starts at right guard for Miami in 2010, the first eight starts of his NFL career. He left after the season, so the return was short-lived, but Miami still received a full season and half a season of starts.
Dallas Return
The conditional compensation never materialized. Dallas finished 6-10 and Miami finished 7-9, so the condition required for the sixth-round swap was not met. Contemporary Dallas reporting explicitly noted that the Cowboys got nothing from the deal.
Hindsight Comparison
Miami received 16 games and eight starts without surrendering a realized draft asset. Dallas cleared a reserve lineman from the roster but ended with no pick value from the conditional return.
Final Verdict
Miami Dolphins Win, B- to D+. The Dolphins obtained useful one-year line depth and eight starts at no realized draft cost; Dallas received no conveyed selection or swap.