Buffalo's return ultimately became the 1988 eighth-round…
Buffalo's return ultimately became the 1988 eighth-round selection used on Jeff Wright after Roger Caron's retirement triggered replacement consideration. Wright became a seven-season Bills defensive lineman, started 67 games, recorded 31.5 sacks, and played on all four Buffalo Super Bowl teams. That level of sustained production from late-round compensation turned the transaction into a major long-term success.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1988 eighth round pick (#213-Jeff Wright (Dee)) (in place of Roger Caron when he retired)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1987 eighth round pick (#200-Chuckie Miller)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1987-04-15, Buffalo Bills received 1988 eighth round pick (#213-Jeff Wright (Dee)) (in place of Roger Caron when he retired), while Indianapolis Colts received 1987 eighth round pick (#200-Chuckie Miller). The evaluation follows the football value actually created by the consideration each club controlled. When an acquired pick was later moved again, that later transaction is treated separately rather than automatically credited as player production from this exchange.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo's return ultimately became the 1988 eighth-round selection used on Jeff Wright after Roger Caron's retirement triggered replacement consideration. Wright became a seven-season Bills defensive lineman, started 67 games, recorded 31.5 sacks, and played on all four Buffalo Super Bowl teams. That level of sustained production from late-round compensation turned the transaction into a major long-term success.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Indianapolis received the 1987 eighth-round selection used on Chuckie Miller. Miller appeared in only three Colts games and made one start, providing very limited return from the acquired draft capital. Against Jeff Wright's seven Buffalo seasons, 67 starts, and important role on four conference championship teams, Indianapolis' side of the trade falls well short in both longevity and impact.
Value in Hindsight
Buffalo ultimately received the 1988 eighth-round selection used on Jeff Wright after Roger Caron's retirement triggered replacement consideration. Wright became a seven-season Bills defensive lineman, started 67 games, recorded 31.5 sacks, and played on all four Super Bowl teams. Indianapolis used No. 200 on Chuckie Miller, who appeared in only three Colts games with one start. The comparison emphasizes direct club service, starting responsibility, production, and retained draft value without overstating later transactions that required additional consideration.
Final Verdict
Buffalo Bills receives a A and Indianapolis Colts receives a D. The verdict is Buffalo Bills Win. The grade spread reflects the scale of the original transaction and the difference in realized football value, while still giving credit for legitimate depth, draft capital, and short-term service.