A Done Deal: Dorsett to Broncos for Draft Pick

Veteran running back Tony Dorsett of the Dallas Cowboys was traded to the Denver Broncos Friday for a 1989 draft choice.

“The draft choice could range from a fifth to a first, depending upon his performance next season,” Cowboy spokesman Doug Todd said.

The trade had been expected for several days. Dorsett had sought a trade since he was moved behind Herschel Walker in the Cowboy offense. Dorsett announced last weekend that to facilitate the trade between Dallas and Denver he had agreed to forfeit about $2.4 million in deferred payments.

Cowboy President Tex Schramm said that Denver was interested in Dorsett because Bronco Coach Dan Reeves, a former Cowboy assistant, was so familiar with him. Schramm said: “Danny Reeves knew a great deal more about Dorsett’s ability and potential than other clubs. He knows the type of person he is and the type of performance he could give. . . . Other clubs looked at Dorsett as a man 34 years old who had been in the league 11 years and was playing out the end of his career.”