The 2017 Kelvin Benjamin Trade: Carolina Sold at the Right Time and Collected Two Draft Picks
Carolina moved Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo at the deadline for third- and seventh-round picks. Benjamin never became the difference-maker the Bills expected.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Kelvin Benjamin
Carolina Panthers Received
- pick 2018 3rd round pick (85th overall, Rashaan Gaulden )
- pick 2018 7th round pick (234th overall, Andre Smith )
Trade Summary
Carolina sold Kelvin Benjamin at the right moment, sending the former first-round receiver to Buffalo for 2018 third- and seventh-round picks. Benjamin never regained his early Carolina production and was released by Buffalo the following season. The Panthers turned a declining veteran into two draft assets, later using those selections on Rashaan Gaulden and Andre Smith, and avoided carrying the receiver through the rest of his downturn.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Carolina traded wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo at the 2017 deadline for third- and seventh-round picks in the 2018 draft. The move surprised a Panthers team that was 5-3 and still contending, because Benjamin was a former first-round selection and one of the offense's most recognizable receivers.
Carolina's logic was more forward-looking than the standings suggested.
Why the Panthers Chose to Sell
The Panthers believed the offense could become quicker and more flexible without relying on Benjamin as the primary outside target. They also had a chance to recover meaningful draft capital before his contract became a larger decision. The trade opened more opportunity for Devin Funchess and changed the receiving rotation while giving Carolina two picks for the following spring.
The third-round selection became Rashaan Gaulden and the seventh-rounder became Andre Smith. Neither developed into a star, which limits how much credit Carolina deserves for converting the picks. Still, the value of the transaction depends on what Buffalo received as well.
What Buffalo Received
The Bills were trying to improve a limited passing game during a playoff chase. Benjamin offered size, contested-catch ability and familiarity with head coach Sean McDermott's former organization. In theory, he gave Buffalo a veteran target without requiring a premium pick.
The production did not justify even that moderate price. Benjamin struggled to become a consistent part of the offense, and Buffalo released him during the 2018 season. His Bills tenure lasted little more than a year.
Why Carolina Still Wins Despite Modest Draft Results
A seller does not need every acquired pick to become a long-term starter to make a good decision. Carolina identified a player whose value was likely to decline and converted him into two assets before that decline became obvious to the market.
Final Verdict
Carolina wins. The Panthers' use of the picks was unspectacular, but Buffalo received limited production from Benjamin and moved on quickly. Carolina successfully sold before the player's market value collapsed, which is the central reason the trade aged well for the Panthers.