Cleveland secured Buffalo's first selection in the 1985…
Cleveland secured Buffalo's first selection in the 1985 supplemental draft and used it on Bernie Kosar, sending a broad package that ultimately included first-, third- and sixth-round draft value plus the unresolved Chip Banks obligation. Kosar became Cleveland's long-term starting quarterback and led deep playoff runs, while Buffalo converted the compensation into several useful assets. Cleveland still gained the more important centerpiece.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick Chip Banks (replaced with 1985 first round pick (#7-Ken Ruettgers) when Banks did not report)
- pick 1985 third round pick (#63-Hal Garner)
- pick 1986 first round pick (#16-Ronnie Harmon)
- pick 1986 sixth round pick (#154-Floyd Dixon)
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1985 supplemental draft first round pick (#1-Bernie Kosar)
Trade Analysis
Cleveland's pursuit of Bernie Kosar required creativity because the quarterback wanted to play for his hometown team and entered the supplemental draft. The Browns obtained Buffalo's first supplemental selection and used it on Kosar. Cleveland and transaction histories show that Buffalo's compensation stretched across multiple drafts and included the Chip Banks obligation, later replaced by first-round value when Banks did not report.
For Cleveland, the purpose of the deal was simple: secure a franchise quarterback. Kosar became exactly that for the Browns. He started for years, guided the club through repeated playoff runs and became the central offensive figure of Cleveland's late-1980s contenders. Acquiring a successful long-term quarterback justifies a premium price, particularly when the alternative was losing access to the player entirely.
Buffalo's return was substantial enough to deserve more than a middling grade. The Bills received high draft value, including the asset that became the No. 7 pick in 1985, plus selections associated with Hal Garner, Ronnie Harmon and Floyd Dixon. Buffalo later used some of that capital in additional moves, so the compensation continued to create roster options.
Cleveland wins because the Browns accomplished the hardest task in the sport: they acquired the quarterback they specifically targeted and received years of high-level starting play. Buffalo nevertheless extracted a strong package for draft position rather than a proven veteran. An A for Cleveland and B+ for Buffalo recognizes both realities.
The large Buffalo package matters because it prevents this from being graded as a giveaway. The Bills monetized the Browns' urgency across multiple assets, while Cleveland accepted that cost because certainty at quarterback was more valuable to the franchise than preserving draft volume.