Atlanta acquired Wallace Francis and received seven seasons…
Atlanta acquired Wallace Francis and received seven seasons of productive receiver play from 1975 through 1981. Francis developed into a starting weapon and topped 1,000 receiving yards in 1979, giving the Falcons both longevity and peak production from the exchange. That substantial direct return overwhelms the limited value Buffalo obtained from the two draft selections it received.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Wallace Francis
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1976 sixth round pick (#164-Leslie Benson)
- pick 1976 eighth round pick (#227-Art Meadowcroft)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1975-03-11, Atlanta Falcons received Wallace Francis, while Buffalo Bills received 1976 sixth round pick (#164-Leslie Benson); 1976 eighth round pick (#227-Art Meadowcroft). The grade centers on the football value produced by the consideration each club controlled. Later movement of an acquired pick is treated as provenance, not extra value from the original deal.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta acquired Wallace Francis and received seven seasons of productive receiver play from 1975 through 1981. Francis developed into a starting weapon and topped 1,000 receiving yards in 1979, giving the Falcons both longevity and peak production from the exchange. That substantial direct return overwhelms the limited value Buffalo obtained from the two draft selections it received.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo received 1976 selections No. 164 Leslie Benson and No. 227 Art Meadowcroft. Neither player generated meaningful regular-season value for the Bills, so the two-pick return never translated into comparable on-field production. Against Wallace Francis' seven productive Atlanta seasons and 1,013-yard 1979 campaign, Buffalo's side produced little lasting benefit and grades poorly in hindsight.
Value in Hindsight
Atlanta acquired Wallace Francis, who played seven seasons for the Falcons from 1975-81 and developed into a productive starting receiver, including a 1,013-yard season in 1979. Buffalo received 1976 picks No.164 Leslie Benson and No.227 Art Meadowcroft. Neither generated meaningful Bills regular-season value. Francis' long, productive Atlanta tenure makes this an overwhelming Falcons win. Those outcomes support Atlanta Falcons Win. The grade spread remains proportional to the size of the deal and the strength of the realized value.
Final Verdict
Atlanta Falcons receives a A and Buffalo Bills receives a D. The verdict is Atlanta Falcons Win. The conclusion weighs usable contribution, duration, and significance while keeping later separate transactions outside the original bargain.