Miami acquired cornerback Tim McKyer from San Francisco on…
Miami acquired cornerback Tim McKyer from San Francisco on April 23, 1990, for an eleventh-round pick that became Anthony Shelton and a 1991 second-rounder that became No. 52, Lamar Rogers. The 49ers later paired that second-round pick with another choice to move up for Ricky Watters. McKyer's Miami stay was short, while San Francisco converted the premium asset into valuable draft leverage.
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Tim McKyer
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1990 eleventh round pick (#289-Anthony Shelton)
- pick 1991 second round pick (#52-Lamar Rogers)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Tim McKyer had been a starting cornerback on championship San Francisco teams, but friction with the coaching staff made a move increasingly likely. On April 23, 1990, the 49ers sent him to Miami for an eleventh-round pick in that year's draft and a second-round choice in 1991. The Dolphins bought proven talent; San Francisco chose draft value and roster harmony.
What Miami and San Francisco Received
Miami received McKyer. San Francisco received pick No. 289 in 1990, used on Anthony Shelton, and a 1991 second-round choice that became No. 52, Lamar Rogers. The future second-rounder was the centerpiece of the return. The complete record matters because treating the deal as only an eleventh-round swap would badly understate what Miami paid for the veteran corner.
How the Value Developed
McKyer's Miami tenure was brief, limiting the payoff from the Dolphins' significant investment. San Francisco did not simply select at No. 52. In the 1991 draft, the 49ers packaged that pick with No. 109 and moved to No. 45 in a deal with Cincinnati, where they selected running back Ricky Watters. That later move demonstrates the substantial purchasing power of the second-round asset acquired from Miami.
Final Verdict
Miami took a defensible shot on a proven starter, but a future second-round pick is a high price for a short stay. San Francisco turned a player it wanted to move into valuable draft capital and then used the main asset as part of a trade that helped land Watters. The 49ers earn a B, Miami a D+, and the 49ers Win verdict reflects the stronger long-term use of the exchange.