Buffalo moved veteran guard Reggie McKenzie to Seattle for a…
Buffalo moved veteran guard Reggie McKenzie to Seattle for a 1985 twelfth-round pick, No. 333 overall, later used on Paul Woodside. The Bills did recover an asset from an aging lineman, but twelfth-round capital carried limited expected value. McKenzie then provided Seattle with starting snaps during a breakthrough period, making Buffalo’s return clearly weaker in hindsight.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1985 twelfth-round pick (333rd overall, Paul Woodside)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Reggie McKenzie
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Seattle traded a 1985 twelfth-round choice to Buffalo on June 28, 1983, for veteran guard Reggie McKenzie. The selection eventually became No. 333 overall, Paul Woodside. This was exactly the sort of low-cost veteran acquisition a team entering a new competitive phase could exploit: Seattle surrendered one of the least valuable draft slots available in exchange for an experienced offensive lineman with a substantial NFL background.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo moved veteran guard Reggie McKenzie to Seattle for a 1985 twelfth-round pick, No. 333 overall, later used on Paul Woodside. The Bills did recover an asset from an aging lineman, but twelfth-round capital carried limited expected value. McKenzie then provided Seattle with starting snaps during a breakthrough period, making Buffalo’s return clearly weaker in hindsight.
Seattle Seahawks Return
Seattle acquired veteran guard Reggie McKenzie from Buffalo on June 28, 1983, for a 1985 twelfth-round selection that became No. 333 overall. McKenzie immediately joined a Seahawks team that reached the playoffs for the first time and advanced to the AFC Championship Game. Receiving a credible veteran starter for such remote draft capital was excellent value for Seattle.
Value in Hindsight
This is a strong example of the value gap that can arise when late-round capital is exchanged for a proven veteran whose role is still useful. Seattle did not need McKenzie to become a long-term cornerstone. Two seasons of legitimate line play, including a role on the franchise’s breakthrough 1983 club, easily cleared the low bar created by a future twelfth-round choice. Buffalo’s return never matched that contribution.
Final Verdict
Seattle Seahawks Win. Seattle earns an A- for acquiring an experienced starting guard at an extremely low draft cost and getting useful production during a landmark season. Buffalo receives a C- because recovering a pick was better than nothing, but a future twelfth-rounder did not approach the on-field value McKenzie delivered. The Seahawks captured a substantial surplus.