Buffalo traded veteran cornerback Mario Clark to San…
Buffalo traded veteran cornerback Mario Clark to San Francisco on July 16, 1984 for a 1985 fourth-round pick, No. 112 overall. The Bills used the selection on Dale Hellestrae, who had only a small early role in Buffalo before later building a long career elsewhere. Clark contributed immediately to San Francisco’s championship season, giving the 49ers the better direct return.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1985 fourth round pick (#112-Dale Hellestrae)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Mario Clark
Trade Analysis
Why San Francisco Added Mario Clark
The 49ers acquired veteran cornerback Mario Clark from Buffalo on July 16, 1984 for a 1985 fourth-round pick. San Francisco was assembling a championship roster and valued experienced secondary depth for the upcoming season. Clark arrived with years of starting experience and could contribute immediately to a team with Super Bowl ambitions.
What Clark Delivered
Clark played 11 games for San Francisco in 1984. He recorded an interception and contributed defensive depth during the 49ers’ championship season. His stay was not long enough to make the move a major franchise transaction, but he supplied exactly the type of immediate veteran contribution San Francisco was seeking when it spent the future selection.
What Buffalo Received
Buffalo received the 1985 fourth-round pick, No. 112 overall, and selected Dale Hellestrae. Hellestrae eventually enjoyed a long NFL career, largely because of his value on special teams, but the bulk of that longevity came after his Buffalo tenure. His direct Bills contribution was limited, including only a small number of starts before he continued his career elsewhere.
How the Value Settled
The comparison must stay focused on what each team directly received. Clark helped San Francisco during a title season, while Hellestrae’s more notable longevity occurred outside Buffalo. The 49ers did not land a long-term starter, so the edge is meaningful but not overwhelming.
Final Verdict
San Francisco earns a B- and Buffalo a C+. Clark supplied useful veteran depth and an interception on a championship team, while Buffalo did not capture most of Hellestrae’s eventual career value. The direct outcome makes this a San Francisco 49ers Win.