Buffalo Bills received Bill Dunstan. Buffalo acquired Bill…
Buffalo Bills received Bill Dunstan. Buffalo acquired Bill Dunstan, who appeared in 14 games for the Bills. That gave Buffalo a usable player return, but his one-season contribution did not create the strongest value in the exchange. Dunstan gave Buffalo a season of service, but Philadelphia's conversion of No. 198 into John Sanders produced the stronger and more durable return. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Bill Dunstan
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1978 eighth round pick (#198 subsequently traded, Terry Falcon)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1977-04-15, Buffalo Bills received Bill Dunstan, while Philadelphia Eagles received 1978 eighth round pick (#198 subsequently traded, Terry Falcon). Team and player records support the package. The comparison focuses on value each club controlled after the exchange.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo Bills received Bill Dunstan. Buffalo acquired Bill Dunstan, who appeared in 14 games for the Bills. That gave Buffalo a usable player return, but his one-season contribution did not create the strongest value in the exchange. Dunstan gave Buffalo a season of service, but Philadelphia's conversion of No. 198 into John Sanders produced the stronger and more durable return. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Buffalo Bills. The grade reflects the practical return created for this franchise rather than merely the name attached to a pick after later movement.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia Eagles received 1978 eighth round pick (#198 subsequently traded, Terry Falcon). Philadelphia received the No. 198 choice, then sent that pick to New England for defensive back John Sanders. Sanders became a significant Eagles starter and intercepted 11 passes across three Philadelphia seasons. Dunstan gave Buffalo a season of service, but Philadelphia's conversion of No. 198 into John Sanders produced the stronger and more durable return. That outcome supports an A- grade for Philadelphia Eagles. This side is judged on the value it actually controlled after the trade, including documented playing time and clearly traceable use of acquired selections.
Value in Hindsight
Dunstan gave Buffalo a season of service, but Philadelphia's conversion of No. 198 into John Sanders produced the stronger and more durable return. The comparison gives the most weight to regular-season contribution, starting value, and clearly documented conversion of acquired draft capital. Later selections by another holder are useful for tracing a pick, but they are not treated as on-field production for a club that had already moved the asset.
Final Verdict
The final call is Philadelphia Eagles Win. Buffalo Bills earns C+, and Philadelphia Eagles earns A-. Those grades match the supported package and the relative football value each side ultimately realized, without overstating the exchange or assigning another club's later player outcome to the wrong team.