Cincinnati sent running back Charlie Davis to expansion Tampa…
Cincinnati sent running back Charlie Davis to expansion Tampa Bay for a future fourth-round choice, which became No. 85 Rick Walker in 1977. Walker developed into a long NFL career and later became a regular starter in Washington, while Davis' Tampa Bay stay lasted only the 1976 season. The Bengals clearly obtained the more durable asset.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1977 fourth round pick (#85-Rick Walker (a))
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Charlie Davis
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
During Tampa Bay's inaugural 1976 season, the Buccaneers acquired running back Charlie Davis from Cincinnati for a future fourth-round pick. Bengals draft history identifies that selection as No. 85 in 1977, which Cincinnati used on tight end Rick Walker.
What Cincinnati Received
Walker gave Cincinnati an NFL-caliber player from the acquired choice. League records show 119 career games and 59 starts. His first 31 games came with the Bengals before he continued his career in Washington, where he became a much more regular starter. Even though Cincinnati did not capture every later season, the pick produced a substantial professional career.
What Tampa Bay Received
Davis gave the expansion Buccaneers immediate backfield help. NFL records show six games and five starts for Tampa Bay in 1976, with 107 rushing yards and one touchdown. That contribution had value to a brand-new roster, but 1976 proved to be his final NFL season.
Why Cincinnati Won
The Bengals exchanged a short-term veteran for a draft asset that turned into a player with considerable league longevity. Tampa Bay's need for immediate bodies explains the transaction, but hindsight rewards Cincinnati for converting Davis into a fourth-round selection that produced far more sustained professional value.
Historical Context
For an expansion club, immediate veteran help carried extra value, so Tampa Bay's logic was understandable. Cincinnati nevertheless benefited from patience by taking the future choice and developing it into Walker.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati receives a B and Tampa Bay receives a C-. The Bengals won because Rick Walker became a long-tenured NFL player, while Davis' Buccaneers return was limited to six games and one season.