Buffalo traded defensive tackle Jerry Patton to Philadelphia… #2
Buffalo traded defensive tackle Jerry Patton to Philadelphia for the Eagles' 1975 second-round pick, No. 42, which the Bills used on linebacker Bob Nelson. Nelson later gave Buffalo 25 regular-season games across 1976 and 1977. That is meaningful realized value from a pick that had previously been left unidentified, supporting a B-minus grade for Buffalo.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1975 second round pick (#42-Bob Nelson)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Jerry Patton
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Buffalo sent defensive tackle Jerry Patton to Philadelphia on May 29, 1974, for the Eagles' second-round selection in the 1975 draft. Buffalo's official media guides identify the draft return as the pick used on linebacker Bob Nelson, while Philadelphia's media guide confirms that its second-round choice was the consideration for Patton. The documented pick was No. 42 overall.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo used the acquired selection at No. 42 overall on Bob Nelson. Nelson did not become an immediate contributor in 1975, but his career record shows 14 games for Buffalo in 1976 and 11 more in 1977. Across those two seasons he supplied 25 regular-season appearances, along with recorded defensive production. That is concrete receiving-team value and gives the Bills a much firmer basis for evaluation than an unidentified future pick.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia received Patton and immediately obtained a starting defensive tackle. The Eagles' 1974 roster record credits him with 14 games and 14 starts, plus an interception and a fumble recovery. His Philadelphia tenure was short, but the first season alone delivered a full schedule of starting service. The Eagles therefore received real, immediate lineup value rather than merely taking a chance on a player who never reached the field.
Value in Hindsight
Both organizations converted their return into useful NFL service. Philadelphia got the stronger immediate role because Patton started every game in 1974. Buffalo got more total regular-season appearances from Nelson, who played 25 games for the Bills over 1976 and 1977. Neither return developed into a major long-term asset, and the different types of value are close enough to support an even evaluation.
Final Verdict
Even Trade, with both teams at B-minus. Philadelphia received a 14-game starter in Patton, while Buffalo's acquired second-round pick became Bob Nelson and produced 25 Bills appearances. Buffalo's return is the 1975 second-round pick, No. 42, used on Nelson.