Buffalo re-signed veteran cornerback Charles Romes and traded…

The Exchange

Buffalo completed a sign-and-trade involving veteran cornerback Charles Romes on July 14, 1987. Kansas City received Romes, and Buffalo received a low-round 1988 draft choice that resolved as twelfth-round pick No. 309. The Bills used the transaction to recover something for an older defensive back after years of substantial service in Buffalo.

Buffalo Bills Return

Buffalo re-signed veteran cornerback Charles Romes and traded him to Kansas City in July 1987 for a low-round 1988 choice that became twelfth-round No. 309 John Driscoll. Romes did not produce a lasting Chiefs tenure, while Buffalo at least converted an outgoing veteran into draft capital. The stakes were small, but the Bills extracted the more useful return.

Kansas City Chiefs Return

Kansas City acquired Charles Romes from Buffalo for a 1988 twelfth-round selection, later No. 309 John Driscoll. Romes had been a long-time Bills starter, but he did not become a sustained Chiefs contributor after the transaction. Buffalo recovered a future pick for a player leaving its plans, so even though the selection was very late, the exchange leans clearly toward the Bills.

Value in Hindsight

Because the pick was so late, neither side risked much. The outcome still favors Buffalo: the Bills converted an aging player into future capital, while Kansas City failed to turn Romes into a durable contributor. The trade should be graded on that limited scale, recognizing a clean Buffalo edge without pretending a twelfth-round pick materially changed the franchise.

Final Verdict

Buffalo earns a B- and Kansas City a D+. The Bills extracted draft value from a veteran at the end of his tenure, while the Chiefs did not receive sustained playing value from Romes. The compensation was minor, but the direction is clear enough for a Bills win.