Buffalo got 21 regular-season games of return-specialist work…
Buffalo got 21 regular-season games of return-specialist work from Brandon Codrington, including 681 kick-return yards and 371 punt-return yards, but 2026 seventh-rounder Toriano Pride was released before playing a Bills game. New York converted No. 208 into Geno Smith plus No. 228 VJ Payne. Smith immediately started a 23-10 Week 1 win, throwing for 215 yards without a turnover. The Jets now lead B to C+.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Brandon Codrington
- pick 2026 7th round pick (220th overall, Toriano Pride )
New York Jets Received
- pick 2026 6th round pick (208th overall subsequently traded, Anterio Thompson )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Buffalo acquired return specialist Brandon Codrington and the Jets' 2026 seventh-round pick in August 2024 for Buffalo's 2026 sixth-round choice. Those picks became Nos. 220 and 208. Buffalo used No. 220 on corner Toriano Pride Jr. New York did not use No. 208 on Anterio Thompson; the Jets traded that pick to Las Vegas in March 2026 for quarterback Geno Smith and No. 228.
Buffalo Bills Return
The Bills received real special-teams value from Codrington. NFL statistics credit him with 21 Buffalo regular-season games across 2024-25, 25 kickoff returns for 681 yards and 37 punt returns for 371 yards. He did not start a game on defense, making his contribution primarily return work. The second Buffalo asset did not stick: the Bills released Pride on August 30, 2026, before he appeared in a regular-season game for them.
New York Jets Return
New York's sixth-round asset produced a starting quarterback and another draft choice in one direct exchange. The Raiders sent Smith and No. 228 to the Jets for No. 208, so both pieces are fully traceable to the original pick. Smith started the 2026 opener at Tennessee and completed 19 of 24 passes for 215 yards without a turnover in a 23-10 win. The Jets used No. 228 on safety VJ Payne, who opened the season on injured reserve designated for return.
Value in Hindsight
The trade's center of gravity has therefore shifted. Buffalo can point to two seasons of useful return production, but its draft component ended with Pride's release before Week 1. New York converted the higher pick into a veteran starter and retained a rookie safety asset. One game does not settle Smith's full Jets tenure, and Payne has yet to debut, so the Jets' side still carries meaningful early-season uncertainty despite already producing a starting-quarterback win.
Final Verdict
New York receives B and Buffalo receives C+, producing a New York Jets Win. Codrington's 1,052 combined kick-and-punt return yards keep Buffalo comfortably above a failing grade. The Jets earn the stronger mark because No. 208 directly became Smith plus Payne, and Smith has already delivered a successful regular-season start. The B stops short of assuming that one September result guarantees long-term quarterback value.