Buffalo acquired wide receiver Bob Gaddis from Pittsburgh on…
Buffalo acquired wide receiver Bob Gaddis from Pittsburgh on September 6, 1976 for its 1977 tenth-round pick, No. 253. Gaddis appeared in two games for the Bills and contributed one six-yard punt return and one 16-yard kickoff return.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Bob Gaddis
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1977 tenth-round pick (No. 253; Alvin Cowans)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Pittsburgh's official trade history identifies the September 6, 1976 deal precisely: Bob Gaddis to Buffalo for the Bills' 1977 tenth-round selection, No. 253, which became Florida defensive back Alvin Cowans. The 1977 draft transaction ledger independently traces No. 253 from Buffalo to Pittsburgh and cites both clubs' media guides plus contemporary Associated Press draft reporting. That resolves the legacy row's tentative “possibly” language.
Buffalo's Return
Gaddis produced only a small amount of regular-season value, but it was measurable. NFL records show him appearing in two games for Buffalo in 1976. The Bills' official season statistics credit him with one punt return for six yards and one kickoff return for 16 yards. He did not become a longer-term roster contributor.
Pittsburgh's Return
The Steelers used No. 253 on Alvin Cowans. Pittsburgh's official all-time draft history and Pro Football Reference both confirm the selection. Pro Football Reference records no NFL regular-season games or career value for Cowans, so the acquired pick did not turn into a realized roster contribution.
Final Verdict
Buffalo Bills Win, narrowly. The Bills earn a C- because Gaddis reached the regular season and supplied two games plus limited return work. Pittsburgh earns a D+ because Cowans never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. The difference is small, but the resolved record no longer supports C/C grades or an Even Trade verdict.