Buffalo traded running back Travis Henry to Tennessee in July…
Buffalo traded running back Travis Henry to Tennessee in July 2005 for a 2006 third-round pick that became No. 70 overall, cornerback Ashton Youboty. Youboty spent five seasons with the Bills, appearing in 43 games and making seven starts. Buffalo obtained a legitimate young defensive contributor for a back who had lost the starting job, but Henry's 2006 breakout in Tennessee gave the Titans the higher peak return.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 2006 third-round pick (#70, Ashton Youboty )
Tennessee Titans Received
- player Travis Henry
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Tennessee acquired Travis Henry from Buffalo in July 2005 for a third-round selection in the 2006 draft. The pick became No. 70 overall, and Buffalo used it on cornerback Ashton Youboty. The Bills were moving a former starter who had fallen behind Willis McGahee, while the Titans were seeking another proven option in their backfield.
Henry in Tennessee
Henry's first Titans season was limited, but 2006 changed the evaluation. Tennessee's official statistics credit him with 270 carries for 1,211 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, an average of 4.5 yards per attempt. He became the club's leading rusher and supplied exactly the kind of feature-back production Tennessee hoped to obtain for a Day 1 draft choice.
Youboty in Buffalo
Buffalo did not come away empty. Youboty remained with the Bills from 2006 through 2010, appearing in 43 regular-season games and making seven starts. He contributed as a reserve corner and special-teams player and recorded an interception and sacks during his Buffalo tenure. That is useful multi-year value from a third-round pick, especially after the Bills had decided to move on from Henry.
Comparing the Returns
The Bills gained more years of service, but Tennessee received the best single season by a wide margin. A 1,200-yard rushing year from an acquired veteran can materially shape an offense. Youboty was a useful depth player, yet he never became a comparable impact starter for Buffalo.
Final Verdict
Tennessee Titans Win. Tennessee earns an A-minus because Henry delivered a 1,211-yard season for the cost of one third-round pick. Buffalo earns a B-minus for converting a displaced starter into five seasons of cornerback depth. Both teams gained something, but Henry's 2006 production gives Tennessee the stronger result.
Henry's 1,211-yard Tennessee season exceeded Youboty's useful but limited five-year Buffalo contribution overall in peak realized football value.