Cleveland acquired defensive back Neal Craig from Buffalo for…
Cleveland acquired defensive back Neal Craig from Buffalo for a 1976 eighth-round pick that became Scott Gardner. Craig immediately played 11 games with ten starts for the Browns in 1975, then added 14 games and nine starts in 1976, intercepting a pass in each season. Gardner never appeared in a regular-season NFL game for Buffalo. Cleveland turned a late pick into two years of starting-caliber secondary value.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1976 eighth round pick (#215-Scott Gardner)
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Neal Craig
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 4, 1975, Buffalo traded defensive back Neal Craig to Cleveland for a 1976 eighth-round draft choice. Buffalo eventually used the 215th overall selection on Scott Gardner. The price was inexpensive, but the outcomes diverged sharply because Cleveland received immediate starting-level secondary work while Buffalo's selected player never produced a regular-season appearance.
Cleveland Browns Return
Craig stepped directly into Cleveland's lineup. In 1975 he appeared in 11 games and started ten, recording an interception. He returned in 1976 for all 14 games, starting nine more and adding another interception. Across those two seasons, the Browns received 25 appearances and 19 starts from a player acquired for a late-round pick. That is strong practical value from a low-cost transaction.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo used the acquired pick on Gardner. Pro Football Archives records him as drafted by Buffalo, signed and later released, without a regular-season NFL appearance. The Bills therefore converted an experienced defensive back into a selection that did not produce game-day value for them. The theoretical value of the draft pick never became actual roster production.
Value in Hindsight
Late-round picks are uncertain by nature, so Buffalo's process was understandable. Hindsight grading, however, measures the realized return. Cleveland received two seasons of significant playing time and repeated starts, while Buffalo received no regular-season contribution from the chosen player. The gap is large even though the acquisition price was small.
Final Verdict
Cleveland wins clearly. The Browns earn a B+ for obtaining 19 starts and two seasons of secondary service from Craig. Buffalo earns a D because Gardner never appeared in a regular-season NFL game for the Bills. Cleveland extracted substantial value from an eighth-round cost.