The Raiders received the 1978 sixth-round pick used on Tom…
The Raiders received the 1978 sixth-round pick used on Tom Davis and the 1979 sixth-round pick used on Ira Matthews in exchange for linebacker Rik Bonness. Matthews became the more useful Oakland return, appearing in 37 games and contributing in the return game. Two late selections created real value, but the overall payoff was modest enough to support a C+ grade rather than a clear victory.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1978 sixth round pick (#140-Tom Davis)
- pick 1979 sixth round pick (#142-Ira Matthews)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Rik Bonness
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1977-08-30, Las Vegas Raiders received 1978 sixth round pick (#140-Tom Davis) and 1979 sixth round pick (#142-Ira Matthews), while Tampa Bay Buccaneers received Rik Bonness. The supported package gives both clubs a clear return to evaluate, so the outcome can be judged by the football value each franchise actually realized after the exchange.
Las Vegas Raiders Return
The Raiders received the 1978 sixth-round pick used on Tom Davis and the 1979 sixth-round pick used on Ira Matthews in exchange for linebacker Rik Bonness. Matthews became the more useful Oakland return, appearing in 37 games and contributing in the return game. Two late selections created real value, but the overall payoff was modest enough to support a C+ grade rather than a clear victory. The grade reflects the practical value created for the franchise rather than the asset's label or perceived value on the day of the trade.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return
Tampa Bay acquired Rik Bonness for two sixth-round selections and received 45 games across three seasons from the linebacker. That is a solid return for modest draft capital, especially because the Raiders' best outcome from the picks, Ira Matthews, also produced useful but limited value. The Buccaneers therefore land at C+ as well, reflecting a fair exchange with comparable realized production. The same standard applies here: actual playing contribution and clearly retained draft value matter more than theoretical upside that never materialized.
Value in Hindsight
Both clubs converted low-cost assets into useful roster pieces. Tampa Bay received three seasons from Bonness, while Oakland turned the draft compensation into Matthews plus another selection. Neither return created enough separation to justify a winner. Matching C+ grades better reflects the similar scale and practical value of the two sides.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Las Vegas Raiders earns C+, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers earns C+. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each side realized while keeping the scale of the transaction in proper context.