Buffalo acquired veteran Steve Chomyszak, but his recorded…
Buffalo acquired veteran Steve Chomyszak, but his recorded NFL career did not produce meaningful regular-season Bills service after the trade. The return therefore remained largely theoretical. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Steve Chomyszak
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1975 ninth round pick (#227-Lofell Williams)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On July 31, 1974, Buffalo acquired defensive lineman Steve Chomyszak from Cincinnati for a 1975 ninth-round draft choice. Cincinnati eventually used the 227th overall pick on Lofell Williams. The Bengals' historical records confirm the pick came from Buffalo in the Chomyszak trade. Hindsight, however, shows that neither the veteran nor the selected player delivered meaningful regular-season NFL value for the receiving club.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo acquired veteran Steve Chomyszak, but his recorded NFL career did not produce meaningful regular-season Bills service after the trade. The return therefore remained largely theoretical. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.
Cincinnati Bengals Return
Cincinnati obtained a future ninth-round pick and used it on Lofell Williams, but the selected player did not produce regular-season NFL value. The pick did not pay off. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.
Value in Hindsight
This is the kind of transaction that should not be forced into a winner merely because one side received a draft choice. Buffalo did not get regular-season value from Chomyszak, and Cincinnati did not get regular-season value from Williams. The outcomes are effectively equal and poor. The small original stakes also argue against extreme failing grades.
Final Verdict
This is an even trade. Buffalo and Cincinnati each earn a C- because neither acquired asset produced meaningful regular-season value for the club. The Bengals' future pick had theoretical flexibility, while Buffalo received veteran experience, but neither path generated an actual football return.