The Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys are swapping defensive backs. Miami sent Noah Igbinoghene to Dallas in exchange for Kelvin Joseph, according to team and league sources. Here’s what you need to know:
- Igbinoghene, the Dolphins’ 2020 first-round pick, played nine games in 2022 with two starts. He tallied 10 tackles, one interception and three pass defenses.
- Joseph, the Cowboys’ 2021 second-round pick, played in 16 games with one start last season. Joseph picked up 20 tackles and two pass defenses in 2022.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Why the Cowboys traded for Igbinoghene
The Cowboys were seeking a cornerback early in the 2021 draft. Having the 10th pick, Dallas hoped to select Patrick Surtain II or Jaycee Horn. But both went with the two picks before the Cowboys went on the clock. The team ended up trading back two spots and picking Micah Parsons, arguably the NFL’s best defender. While things worked out well there, Dallas still didn’t find its answer at cornerback.
So Joseph ended up being the Cowboys’ second-round pick. At no point did Joseph ever look like he was ready to be a starting cornerback. Couple that with off-the-field issues and the pick didn’t look good from the start. Joseph played in 26 games over the last two seasons, starting three. He recorded four passes defensed and no interceptions.
Igbinoghene’s career in Miami hasn’t gone much better, so this clearly looks like a deal where both teams are hoping that a change of scenery will help the careers of two top-50 draft picks. — Machota
What Miami’s getting in Joseph
In Joseph, the Dolphins add a player that should help their depth at the nickel spot and on special teams. Joseph had played well this preseason for the Cowboys, recording seven tackles and three pass breakups. — Jones
Backstory
Igbinoghene played 32 games (five starts) in three seasons with Miami and recorded 29 tackles and one interception. Joseph has played in 26 games (three starts) in his two seasons with 36 tackles.
Required reading
(Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images)
