A few things I take away from this trade. First and foremost this is the first move Buffalo has made in roughly a decade that doesnt reek of marketing or PR spin. To put it simply, this was not a Russ Brandon type move. Seems like the football minds are the ones with the final say for the first time in a long time.
Second, there is a vision being shown here. They now have ammo to reshape a roster that on the top is old and the bottom not entrirely talented. You can not fix a gunshot wound with a bandaid. The last few years Whaley was kicking the dead money down to road for win now moves that never showed on the win column.
Lastly, is Buffalo more talented today as they were Thursday? No they are not. However, is Buffalo a much worst football team today then they were Thursday? No they are not. I think both Matthews and Gaines will become starters before opening day. They are not as gifted players but i think they will be productive to a point that the team will not be negetively effected by their presence. Buffalo's playoff chance seem about the same to me. Still need a load of things to fall their way to get in. Going forward they have the ability to move up for a qb or add a significant amount of talent and youth to the roster. Were the moves shocking? Yes. Where the moves pure tank? No.