10 worst trades in Dolphins history
By Brian Miller
Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) is brought down by Miami Dolphins strong safety Jimmy Wilson (27) after making a catch during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Number 1
Wes Welker traded to New England
On March 5th general manager Randy Mueller was offered a 2nd and 7th round pick in the 2007 draft for the Dolphins back-up slot receiver. Welker had played tough for the Dolphins after being acquired off waivers from San Diego in 2004. Welker appeared in 14 games his first season with the Dolphins and then all 16 the next two years. His most productive season came in 2006 when he caught 67 passes for 687 yards.
Miami turned that production into two draft picks. Samson Satele in round two and defensive end Abraham Wright in round seven. New England turned Welker into a perennial pro-bowler. Welker went from mostly a back-up in Miami to a full-time starter in New England.
Welker posted triple digit reception totals in five of his six seasons with the Patriots and easily eclipsed the 1,000 yard receiving plateau as well. Welker was a pivotal part of the Patriot offense for those six years and his rapport with Tom Brady helped the team reach two Super Bowls in six seasons. In the six seasons Welker was with the Patriots, the Patriots won the division all but one season, 2008 when Tom Brady was on IR.
Welker led the team in receiving five of the six seasons. What makes the trade one of the worst is not because Miami traded for him, they didn’t, it was because they traded a player to a division rival. That trade made New England one of the powerhouses in the AFC and while the Dolphins really haven’t done much to counter the Patriots in the last decade they helped the Patriots become what they are in part due to a trade.
Sadly, the Dolphins would not likely have known how to use Welker. After he left, the Dolphins employed, Cleo Lemon, John Beck, Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Matt Moore, and Ryan Tannehill.