Buffalo acquired running back Bob Cappadona, with the…
Buffalo acquired running back Bob Cappadona, with the duplicate spelling removed so the return correctly contains one player. Cappadona started seven games for the Bills and produced 364 scrimmage yards with three touchdowns, giving Buffalo tangible short-term value from a ninth-round price. That production is enough to support a B- grade and makes Buffalo the stronger side of the 1968 exchange.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Bob Cappadona
New England Patriots Received
- pick 1969 ninth round pick (#209-Steve Alexakos)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1968-08-28, Buffalo Bills received Bob Cappadona, while New England Patriots received 1969 ninth round pick (#209-Steve Alexakos). The supported package gives both clubs a clear return to evaluate, so the outcome can be judged by the football value each franchise actually realized after the exchange.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo acquired running back Bob Cappadona, with the duplicate spelling removed so the return correctly contains one player. Cappadona started seven games for the Bills and produced 364 scrimmage yards with three touchdowns, giving Buffalo tangible short-term value from a ninth-round price. That production is enough to support a B- grade and makes Buffalo the stronger side of the 1968 exchange. The grade reflects the practical value created for the franchise rather than the asset's label or perceived value on the day of the trade.
New England Patriots Return
New England received Buffalo's 1969 ninth-round choice, now identified as pick No. 209, Steve Alexakos. Alexakos did not play for the Patriots, so the selection failed to generate comparable franchise value to Cappadona's immediate work in Buffalo. The Patriots did recover draft capital, but the realized return was minimal, which supports a D+ grade in hindsight. The same standard applies here: actual playing contribution and clearly retained draft value matter more than theoretical upside that never materialized.
Value in Hindsight
The supported package gives Buffalo one player, Bob Cappadona, and identifies New England's pick as No. 209, Steve Alexakos. Those fixes make the outcome easier to judge: Buffalo received immediate offensive production, while the Patriots' ninth-round selection did not produce a New England contributor. The difference is meaningful even though the original cost was small.
Final Verdict
The final call is Buffalo Bills Win. Buffalo Bills earns B-, and New England Patriots earns D+. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each side realized while keeping the scale of the transaction in proper context.