Denver acquired center Mike Montler from Buffalo for a 1979…
Denver acquired center Mike Montler from Buffalo for a 1979 second-round pick. Montler immediately started all 14 games for the 1977 Broncos team that reached Super Bowl XII, giving Denver valuable short-term line help. Buffalo later used No. 51 on Jim Haslett, the 1979 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and a long-term Bills starter. Haslett's career gives Buffalo the larger return.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1979 second round pick (#51-Jim Haslett)
Denver Broncos Received
- player Mike Montler
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Buffalo traded center Mike Montler to Denver on July 22, 1977 for a second-round selection in the 1979 draft. Denver needed immediate offensive-line help, while Buffalo accepted a future premium pick that eventually became No. 51 Jim Haslett.
What Denver Broncos Received
Montler paid off quickly. He started all 14 games for the 1977 Broncos, serving as the center for the first Denver team to reach the Super Bowl. That immediate role during a championship run gives the Broncos meaningful credit and prevents the deal from being treated as a poor acquisition.
What Buffalo Bills Received
Buffalo's delayed return became the best player in the exchange. The Bills used No. 51 on Haslett, who won the 1979 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award and developed into a long-term starter. NFL records credit him with 86 career starts, most of them during his Buffalo tenure.
How the Value Developed
Denver received timely value in a specific competitive window, but Buffalo received far greater duration. Haslett's immediate award-winning season and years in the Bills lineup outweighed Montler's shorter Broncos contribution even though that contribution mattered to a Super Bowl team.
Why the Difference Matters
A second-round pick is substantial capital, and Buffalo converted it exceptionally well. Denver's B- reflects the legitimate 1977 payoff, while Buffalo's A- reflects both the quality and longevity of the player selected with the acquired choice.
Final Verdict
Buffalo receives an A- and Denver receives a B-. The final call is Buffalo Bills Win because Haslett delivered the stronger long-term football value.