Denver acquired Marv Matuszak and Billy Atkins from Buffalo…
Denver acquired Marv Matuszak and Billy Atkins from Buffalo for center Walt Cudzik in May 1964. Matuszak became the decisive piece, appearing throughout the Broncos’ 1964 season and recording two interceptions, while Atkins added depth. Cudzik gave Buffalo an experienced center, but Denver received the broader package and the clearest on-field contribution, producing a narrow Broncos win rather than a lopsided result.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Walt Cudzik
Denver Broncos Received
- player Marv Matuszak
- player Billy Atkins
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On May 27, 1964, Buffalo sent veteran linebacker Marv Matuszak and defensive back/punter Billy Atkins to Denver for center Walt Cudzik. Contemporary Denver material lists the exchange, and the 1964 Broncos roster confirms both incoming veterans. The deal was a three-veteran swap rather than a draft-capital transaction, so the evaluation rests on how much usable football each side received during that season.
Denver Broncos Return
Matuszak immediately became a meaningful piece of Denver’s defense. NFL records credit him with all 14 games in 1964 and two interceptions, while Pro Football Reference lists him among Denver’s primary linebackers. Atkins had a much smaller Broncos role, appearing in three games, but his inclusion still gave Denver a second veteran asset. Matuszak’s full-season presence is the clearest value produced by the trade.
Buffalo Bills Return
Cudzik supplied Buffalo with an experienced center after several seasons with Boston. His 1964 Bills stint was real roster value, but it did not create the same two-player return Denver received, and the surviving statistical record does not show a comparable impact swing on Buffalo’s side. That keeps the Bills from receiving a poor grade, while still leaving them behind Denver in the exchange.
Value in Hindsight
This was not a blockbuster, and the short remaining career windows of all three players cap the upside. Denver nevertheless obtained the most identifiable single-season contribution: Matuszak remained on the field throughout 1964 and generated defensive production, with Atkins adding depth. Buffalo received a useful veteran center but only one asset. The broader package and clearer defensive contribution tilt the deal toward Denver without making it a major win.
Final Verdict
Denver wins narrowly. A B- fits a useful full-season defensive addition plus secondary depth at a modest historical scale. Buffalo receives a C because Cudzik was a legitimate veteran return, but the Bills did not match the combined value Denver extracted from Matuszak and Atkins.