Buffalo Bills–New York Jets Trade History

Buffalo Bills received Tom Saidock in the exchange with New York Titans/Jets. Tom Saidock was Buffalo's return, but he did not become a major long-term difference-maker for the Bills. The acquisition produced only modest direct value. In hindsight, that direct outcome supports a C grade for Buffalo Bills. The judgment focuses on what this transaction itself produced rather than unrelated later moves.

Buffalo Bills Buffalo received quarterback Al Dorow, but he started only four games for the Bills before his stay ended. That limited return keeps Buffalo's side below the value New York received. The supported hindsight grade is D. That mark weighs only value tied directly to this transaction and keeps the result proportional to the deal's cost. Against New York Jets, the final verdict is New York Jets Win.

Buffalo Bills received Pete Liske, while New York Jets received John Sklopane. Pete Liske was released by Buffalo on August 12, 1965 before appearing in a game for the Bills. Buffalo therefore realized essentially no on-field value from the acquisition. In hindsight, that direct return supports a D grade for Buffalo Bills. The grade reflects realized football value from this exchange rather than reputation alone.

Buffalo acquired veteran cornerback Earlie Thomas from the New York Jets on July 18, 1975 for an undisclosed draft choice. The Bills released Thomas on September 3 before he appeared in a Buffalo regular-season game. He later signed with Denver and played ten games there, but Buffalo realized no on-field return from the acquisition.

Buffalo acquired Billy Newsome from the Jets for a 1978 sixth-round pick, then moved Newsome to Chicago before the season. The Jets used the pick on Bobby Jackson, actually No. 140 overall, not No. 141. Jackson became an eight-year Jets defensive back with 95 games, 90 starts and 21 interceptions. New York wins decisively, with draft records placing Jackson at No. 140 overall.

Buffalo acquired Lou Piccone from the Jets for a 1978 ninth-round pick that became No. 225 and Reggie Grant. Piccone stayed with the Bills for multiple seasons and contributed as a receiver and returner, while the Jets did not receive comparable value from the late selection. Buffalo therefore gained the stronger and more durable football return from the exchange.

Buffalo Bills received 1988 conditional late-round pick (selection not identified) from New York Jets, while New York Jets received Don Smith in the 1987-09-07 deal. In hindsight, Buffalo Bills's return did not separate far enough from New York Jets to justify a higher grade. The final grades are C for Buffalo Bills and C for New York Jets, producing a verdict of Even Trade. The rating reflects the documented package, the certainty of the consideration, and the football value that can actually be assigned in hindsight.

Buffalo got 21 regular-season games of return-specialist work from Brandon Codrington, including 681 kick-return yards and 371 punt-return yards, but 2026 seventh-rounder Toriano Pride was released before playing a Bills game. New York converted No. 208 into Geno Smith plus No. 228 VJ Payne. Smith immediately started a 23-10 Week 1 win, throwing for 215 yards without a turnover. The Jets now lead B to C+.