Buffalo acquired defensive lineman David Bowens from Green…
Buffalo acquired defensive lineman David Bowens from Green Bay for tight end Bobby Collins in August 2001. Bowens did not record a regular-season appearance for the Bills and soon continued his career elsewhere. Collins at least appeared in four games for Green Bay and caught one pass for three yards. The production was negligible, but it was still more direct value than Buffalo received, giving the Packers a very modest hindsight win.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player David Bowens
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Bobby Collins
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Green Bay and Buffalo exchanged Bobby Collins and David Bowens on August 7, 2001. The Bills received Bowens, a young defensive lineman, while the Packers received Collins, a tight end. Like many preseason swaps, the transaction was aimed at improving depth rather than acquiring a centerpiece.
Buffalo Bills Return
Bowens did not produce a regular-season appearance for Buffalo. His career continued and later became productive with other teams, but that future success did not occur for the Bills and should not be credited to their side of this exchange. Buffalo's realized return from the trade was therefore effectively zero at the regular-season level.
Green Bay Packers Return
Collins did make Green Bay's roster long enough to appear in four games. His offensive production was extremely limited: one reception for three yards. Still, those appearances represent actual game-day service for the Packers, which is more than Buffalo received from Bowens. Collins did not become a lasting tight end or meaningful offensive asset, so the value remains small.
Value in Hindsight
This is a low-separation trade. Bowens' later career can make Buffalo's acquisition look more attractive at first glance, but his later production belonged to other organizations. Green Bay's return was modest, yet it was realized by the acquiring team itself. Four games and one catch are enough for a technical edge, not a strong grade.
Final Verdict
Green Bay wins narrowly. The Packers earn a C for receiving a small amount of regular-season depth from Collins. Buffalo earns a C- because Bowens did not appear in a regular-season game for the Bills after the trade.