Buffalo sent veteran defensive lineman Ron McDole to…
Buffalo sent veteran defensive lineman Ron McDole to Washington for three 1973 draft choices, eventually Nos. 77, 103 and 181. The Bills gained useful draft volume, but McDole became a durable Washington starter and remained a fixture on the defense through the 1970s. His seven-plus seasons of direct value outweigh the scattered return created by Buffalo's package, giving Washington the stronger result.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1973 third round pick (#77-Bob Kampa)
- pick 1973 fourth round pick (#103-Jeff Yeates)
- pick 1973 seventh round pick (#181-John Ford)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Ron McDole
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Buffalo traded defensive lineman Ron McDole to Washington in May 1971 for three selections in the 1973 draft. The picks became No. 77 Bob Kampa, No. 103 Jeff Yeates and No. 181 John Ford. That was meaningful draft volume for the Bills, while Washington was making the classic veteran-for-futures bet: pay several choices for a proven defender who could help immediately.
What Washington Got
McDole became exactly the kind of veteran George Allen wanted. He was a full-time Washington starter almost immediately and stayed in that role for years, appearing in every regular-season game from 1971 through 1977 and continuing into 1978. His tenure covered multiple playoff teams and the franchise's Super Bowl VII season. For a package composed entirely of future picks, Washington received rare certainty and substantial defensive continuity.
What Buffalo Got
Three selections gave Buffalo several opportunities to replace the value of one veteran. The Bills did turn those choices into named players, so this was not an empty return. The problem in hindsight is that the combined Buffalo value never approached McDole's sustained Washington contribution. The package offered quantity and flexibility, but Washington obtained the one asset that became a long-term lineup fixture for the acquiring club.
How the Value Separated
The trade demonstrates why pick count alone can be misleading. Buffalo received three separate chances, including a third-rounder, yet Washington converted its investment into many seasons of dependable starting work. That kind of durability has to carry more weight than the theoretical flexibility of the picks once the actual careers are known.
Final Verdict
Washington wins decisively enough for a B+ grade. Buffalo's C acknowledges a reasonable three-pick return, but McDole's extended run as a Washington starter created the strongest realized value in the deal.