Buffalo acquired defensive end Sherman White and got eight…
Buffalo acquired defensive end Sherman White and got eight seasons of durable starting play, so this was a strong Bills transaction on its own terms. Cincinnati received Buffalo's 1977 first-round pick and selected Eddie Edwards at No. 3. Edwards became an even longer-tenured defensive-line fixture, playing 170 games with 84.5 career sacks. The Bengals win narrowly because their return was more impactful and durable.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Sherman White
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1977 first round pick (#3-Eddie Edwards)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Buffalo acquired veteran defensive end Sherman White from Cincinnati for a future first-round choice. That 1977 selection landed at No. 3 overall, where the Bengals drafted defensive lineman Eddie Edwards. The pick description is a first-round pick, not the misspelled legacy wording carried in the older record.
Why Buffalo Was Happy with Sherman White
White was far from a rental. He spent eight seasons with the Bills, appearing in 106 games and starting 98. That kind of durability is an excellent return for a team acquiring an established defensive lineman, and it explains why Buffalo deserves a strong grade despite losing the hindsight comparison.
What Eddie Edwards Gave Cincinnati
Edwards became an even bigger long-term piece. He played 170 games, started 158 and finished with 84.5 career sacks. Cincinnati turned the future pick into a defensive fixture who remained with the franchise for twelve seasons and supplied both longevity and pass-rush production.
Why This Is a Good Trade on Both Sides
The first-round price looks steep only if White's actual Buffalo career is ignored. The Bills received years of starting value. Cincinnati simply did better with the asset it received, turning the choice into a player whose career was longer and more productive.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati wins by a modest margin rather than in a rout. Edwards' twelve-season run and pass-rush production justify an A-, while Buffalo earns a B+ because White was a durable starter for most of a decade. This is a rare trade where hindsight can favor one team without making the other side a loser.