Buffalo sent two fourth-round picks to Washington to move up…
Buffalo sent two fourth-round picks to Washington to move up for tight end Dawson Knox at No. 96. Knox became a long-term starter in the Bills' Josh Allen offense and earned a multiyear extension after developing into a reliable receiving and red-zone option. Washington selected Bryce Love and Wes Martin, but neither produced comparable sustained value for the franchise.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 2019 3rd round pick (96th overall, Dawson Knox)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 2019 4th round pick (112th overall, Bryce Love)
- pick 2019 4th round pick (131st overall, Wes Martin )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Buffalo traded the 112th and 131st selections in the 2019 draft to Washington for pick No. 96. The Bills used the third-round choice on Ole Miss tight end Dawson Knox. Washington used No. 112 on Stanford running back Bryce Love and No. 131 on Indiana guard Wes Martin. Buffalo's strategy was simple: combine two fourth-rounders to secure a developmental athlete it believed could grow with quarterback Josh Allen.
Why Buffalo Created Separation
Knox did exactly that. He became a regular starter, developed into a dependable red-zone target and earned a substantial second contract from the Bills. His receiving totals fluctuated with Buffalo's deep group of pass catchers, but his combination of blocking, athleticism and familiarity with Allen kept him central to the offense. Washington's return never reached the same level. Love's college knee injury complicated his transition to the NFL, and he did not become a regular-season contributor. Martin provided some interior-line starts but did not become a long-term answer.
How the Deal Aged
The trade became more favorable for Buffalo as Knox survived multiple roster cycles and remained part of a perennial playoff offense. That continuity matters because third-round tight ends often require patience before becoming complete players. Washington received two selections and therefore had more opportunities, but neither developed into an asset with similar staying power. The Bills sacrificed quantity and were rewarded with the best player by a substantial margin.
Final Verdict
Buffalo wins with an A, while Washington earns a D+. Knox became a multiyear starter and an important complementary weapon for Allen. Washington's two-player return never delivered equivalent production or longevity, making this one of the clearer examples of a successful draft-day move-up for Buffalo.