Jacksonville Jaguars Win
Summary: Jacksonville traded QB Rob Johnson to Buffalo for the 9th overall pick in 1998 (Fred Taylor) and a 4th-round pick (Tavian Banks). Analysis: This is the second most important trade in Jaguars history. Jacksonville cashed in Johnson — who never developed into a starter in Buffalo — at peak perceived value and received the pick that became Fred Taylor. Taylor rushed for 11,271 yards, made the Pro Bowl in 2003, and remains the franchise's all-time leading rusher. The trade worked perfectly: Buffalo absorbed Johnson's limitations at enormous cost while Jacksonville got a franchise-defining running back for a backup quarterback. The A+ grade and F for Buffalo are both fully justified.
Jacksonville Jaguars Received
- pick 1998 1st round pick (9th overall, Fred Taylor ), 1998 4th round pick (101st overall, Tavian Banks )
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Rob Johnson
Trade Summary
Summary: Jacksonville traded QB Rob Johnson to Buffalo for the 9th overall pick in 1998 (Fred Taylor) and a 4th-round pick (Tavian Banks). Analysis: This is the second most important trade in Jaguars history. Jacksonville cashed in Johnson — who never developed into a starter in Buffalo — at peak perceived value and received the pick that became Fred Taylor. Taylor rushed for 11,271 yards, made the Pro Bowl in 2003, and remains the franchise's all-time leading rusher. The trade worked perfectly: Buffalo absorbed Johnson's limitations at enormous cost while Jacksonville got a franchise-defining running back for a backup quarterback. The A+ grade and F for Buffalo are both fully justified.
Trade Analysis
Summary: Jacksonville traded QB Rob Johnson to Buffalo for the 9th overall pick in 1998 (Fred Taylor) and a 4th-round pick (Tavian Banks). Analysis: This is the second most important trade in Jaguars history. Jacksonville cashed in Johnson — who never developed into a starter in Buffalo — at peak perceived value and received the pick that became Fred Taylor. Taylor rushed for 11,271 yards, made the Pro Bowl in 2003, and remains the franchise's all-time leading rusher. The trade worked perfectly: Buffalo absorbed Johnson's limitations at enormous cost while Jacksonville got a franchise-defining running back for a backup quarterback. The A+ grade and F for Buffalo are both fully justified. Buffalo gave up the 9th overall pick and a 4th-round pick for Rob Johnson, a flashy but inconsistent quarterback who never mastered the starting role. The Bills' franchise paid a first-round price for what amounted to a journeyman backup career. This ranks among the worst trades in Buffalo Bills history. Grade: F