It's probably fair to say neither the San Francisco 49ers nor the Miami Dolphins benefited from that now-infamous trade in the spring of 2021 that netted general manager John Lynch and Co. the No. 3 overall pick in that year's NFL Draft, one used to acquire quarterback Trey Lance.
And now, the door is fully closed for the two teams that were involved in that deal.
Just over a week following the official kickoff of the NFL's 2026 offseason, Miami opted to trade wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos for a hefty return that includes the No. 30 overall pick this April, plus additional picks back to the Dolphins.
Waddle, of course, was picked up by the Dolphins shortly after the Niners made the Lance selection in what many considered one of the most lopsided trades in recent league memory.
But, for those thinking Miami fully won the trade, all one has to remember is it netted the Dolphins precisely zero postseason wins, whereas San Francisco turned into a perennial postseason contender despite the massive whiff on Lance.
Jaylen Waddle trade closes door on 49ers-Dolphins blockbuster to draft Trey Lance
Lance, of course, flamed out relatively quickly in the Bay Area, suffering a devastating ankle injury in year two in what was supposed to be his first full season as a franchise starter and centerpiece. In the wake of Brock Purdy's ascent later that year, Lance became expendable and was subsequently dealt to the Dallas Cowboys, who retained him for two years before allowing him to leave via free agency in 2025.
Waddle, who joined forces in Miami with other big-name players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill and edge rusher Bradley Chubb, both of whom were also acquired using the Lance trade package, is employed elsewere.
Neither Chubb nor Hill remain with the Dolphins either after both were let go earlier this year.
Pretty crazy that not even 5 years later, all of the players acquired with a first round pick in this blockbuster are gone from the 49ers and Dolphins:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 17, 2026
Trey Lance: traded in 2023
Jaylen Waddle: traded today
Tyreek Hill: released in February
Bradley Chubb: released in March https://t.co/RARpKVXF8g
Years later, it's safe to say both sides came nowhere close to getting the desired results they sought back in 2021.
The 49ers not only failed to establish Lance as an organizational figurehead, but they also missed out on using that draft capital to land much-needed talent elsewhere, although one can argue Purdy and other roster finds have largely covered up the gaffe.
Miami, meanwhile, boasted a talented roster but couldn't turn it into an AFC powerhouse in the years since before ultimatley deciding to tear it all down entering 2026.
Too bad there are no do-overs in the NFL.