Buffalo traded veteran defensive lineman Earl Edwards to…
Buffalo traded veteran defensive lineman Earl Edwards to Cleveland for the 1977 third- and sixth-round choices used on John Kimbrough and Ron Pruitt. Kimbrough supplied one useful season, including two receiving touchdowns and a punt-return score, while Pruitt never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. The return was real but short-lived.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1977 third round pick (#73-John Kimbrough (R.))
- pick 1977 sixth round pick (#157-Ron Pruitt)
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Earl Edwards
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Buffalo sent defensive lineman Earl Edwards to Cleveland in July 1976. In return, the Bills received Cleveland's 1977 third- and sixth-round selections, later used on wide receiver John Kimbrough at No. 73 and defensive tackle Ron Pruitt at No. 157.
What Cleveland Received
Edwards became a dependable part of the Browns' defensive front. NFL records show him in all 14 games during 1976, followed by 14 starts in 1977 and all 16 starts in 1978. Cleveland therefore received two full seasons of starting work after the initial year, a substantial direct return for two non-premium draft choices.
What Buffalo Received
Kimbrough provided the Bills with one season of useful production. He appeared in 14 games with one start, caught 10 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, and also scored on a punt return. Pruitt, the sixth-round selection, did not appear in an NFL regular-season game. Buffalo's side produced a spark but not sustained roster value.
Why Cleveland Comes Out Ahead
The Browns converted mid-round capital into an established lineman who became a full-time starter. Buffalo did get a playable receiver and returner, so the trade was not a failure, but one season of Kimbrough plus no regular-season contribution from Pruitt falls well short of Edwards' extended starting workload.
Historical Context
The timing also favored Cleveland's roster needs. Edwards was already an established professional, so the Browns exchanged uncertain future selections for known interior-line experience and then received sustained starting work.
Final Verdict
Cleveland receives a B+ and Buffalo receives a C+. The Browns won because Earl Edwards delivered durable starting value, while Buffalo's two picks produced only one brief useful contribution between them.