Miami sent linebacker Eric Kumerow to Chicago for cornerback…
Miami sent linebacker Eric Kumerow to Chicago for cornerback Vestee Jackson on January 31, 1991. Jackson became a useful piece of the Dolphins secondary, starting 26 games across three Miami seasons and intercepting three passes in 1992, including a touchdown return. Kumerow never played a regular-season game for Chicago after an Achilles injury, giving Miami the better realized return.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Eric Kumerow
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Vestee Jackson
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Miami and Chicago made a direct player-for-player swap on January 31, 1991. The Dolphins moved Eric Kumerow, a former first-round linebacker who had produced five sacks in three Miami seasons, while the Bears sent cornerback Vestee Jackson south. Both clubs were taking a change-of-scenery chance on a player who had already shown enough ability to justify another opportunity.
What Miami and Chicago Received
Miami received Jackson, a veteran defensive back who immediately became part of its secondary. Chicago received Kumerow, whose size and pass-rush background offered upside at linebacker. The transaction was simple, with no draft choices or later conditions to cloud the comparison: Jackson's Miami contribution can be weighed directly against what Kumerow ultimately provided the Bears.
How the Value Developed
Jackson gave the Dolphins real snaps over three seasons, starting 26 games for Miami. His best Miami season came in 1992, when he intercepted three passes and returned one for a touchdown. Kumerow never appeared in a regular-season game for Chicago. During 1991 training camp he ruptured his Achilles tendon, an injury that ended his season and effectively closed his NFL playing career before the Bears received on-field value.
Final Verdict
This is not a blockbuster, but the result is clear. Miami converted a player it was ready to move into a cornerback who started regularly and produced takeaways for a playoff-caliber defense. Chicago's return was wiped out by injury before a regular-season snap. The Dolphins therefore earn the stronger grade, B to Chicago's C, and the Miami Dolphins Win verdict reflects the sizable difference in realized football value.