What happened: Jimmy Johnson kept acquired veterans out of starting roles, preserving conditional draft compensation if they were released. The resulting capital moved through later trades and draft selections.
Why it matters: The asset chain illustrates how conditional picks can turn one transaction into a multiyear rebuild. Its legacy still informs how blockbuster NFL trades are judged.
By the numbers: The 1989 transaction involved 18 players or draft choices.
What to watch: Future blockbuster deals will draw comparisons based on the value created through secondary moves.