Buffalo acquired defensive back Ricky Stevenson from…
Buffalo acquired defensive back Ricky Stevenson from Cleveland in August 1971 for a conditional tenth-round pick that would have been owed only if Stevenson made the Bills roster. The condition was not met, so the draft choice was not exercised. Buffalo received a no-cost opportunity to evaluate a player, while Cleveland ultimately received no pick. Because Stevenson did not create a lasting Bills return either, the completed exchange grades as even.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Ricky Stevenson
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick conditional tenth round pick (not exercised)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Buffalo acquired defensive back Ricky Stevenson from Cleveland in August 1971. The compensation was conditional: Cleveland would receive a tenth-round pick only if Stevenson made the Bills roster. That condition was not met, so the pick was never exercised. The completed transaction therefore ended with Buffalo having evaluated Stevenson and Cleveland receiving no draft choice. Buffalo Bills Return Buffalo obtained the right to bring Stevenson into camp and assess whether he could help the secondary. Because the draft compensation depended on him making the roster, the Bills protected themselves against paying for a player who did not stick. When the condition failed, Buffalo lost no draft capital. The club also did not gain lasting on-field value, which limits the grade despite the favorable protection. Cleveland Browns Return Cleveland moved Stevenson with the possibility of receiving a tenth-round selection. The structure gave the Browns a chance to recover something if the player earned a role in Buffalo. Once Stevenson failed to satisfy the condition, however, Cleveland received no pick. That leaves the Browns without a tangible return, although they also avoided carrying a player they were prepared to move. Value in Hindsight Conditional trades often need to be judged on the terms that actually triggered, not the compensation that might have been paid. Here, no tenth-round selection changed hands. Buffalo's downside protection worked as intended, but the Bills did not receive a lasting contributor. Cleveland gained roster flexibility but no realized draft value. Those modest outcomes largely cancel each other out. Final Verdict Both teams earn a C and the trade is even. Buffalo deserves credit for structuring the deal so that no pick was owed when Stevenson did not make the roster, while Cleveland at least created the possibility of compensation. Since neither side ultimately received durable value, there is not enough separation to declare a winner.