Baltimore acquired Willis McGahee from Buffalo for 2007 picks…
Baltimore acquired Willis McGahee from Buffalo for 2007 picks No. 92 and No. 239 plus a 2008 third-rounder that became No. 71. McGahee gave the Ravens four productive seasons and a Pro Bowl year. Buffalo selected Trent Edwards, received little from C.J. Ah You, and later used the future third as a major piece of the Marcus Stroud trade. Both clubs turned the exchange into substantial multi-year value.
Baltimore Ravens Received
- player Willis McGahee
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 2007 3rd round pick (92nd overall, Trent Edwards)
- pick 2007 7th round pick (239th overall, C.J. Ah You)
- pick 2008 3rd round pick (71st overall; later paired with pick 143 to acquire Marcus Stroud)
Trade Analysis
Why Baltimore Wanted McGahee
The Ravens traded 2007 picks No. 92 and No. 239 plus a 2008 third-round selection to Buffalo for Willis McGahee in March 2007. Baltimore needed a proven lead runner after moving on from Jamal Lewis and was willing to surrender meaningful future capital rather than rely on the draft for an immediate answer.
What McGahee Gave the Ravens
McGahee delivered four productive seasons. He rushed for 2,802 yards and 31 touchdowns in Baltimore, added receiving value and earned a Pro Bowl selection after his 1,207-yard debut season in 2007. His role later shifted as Ray Rice emerged, but McGahee remained a valuable scorer and veteran complement. Baltimore received a strong return from the player it targeted.
How Buffalo Used the Package
The Bills selected quarterback Trent Edwards at No. 92 and defensive lineman C.J. Ah You at No. 239. Edwards became a multi-year starter for stretches, though he did not settle the position long term. The more important missing piece in the older record was the 2008 third-rounder, which became No. 71. Buffalo later paired that pick with No. 143 to acquire defensive tackle Marcus Stroud from Jacksonville. Stroud then started 45 games over three Bills seasons. Because Buffalo added another pick, his entire value cannot be assigned to the McGahee trade, but No. 71 was a major part of the acquisition.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Baltimore received the best single offensive performer, while Buffalo converted the return into quarterback starts and a key piece of another veteran acquisition.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Baltimore and Buffalo each earn B+ grades. McGahee justified Baltimore's price, while Edwards plus the downstream Stroud value gave Buffalo enough meaningful production to balance the exchange.