Earl Campbell

Houston moved Earl Campbell to New Orleans for a 1985 first-round pick that became Richard Johnson, turning a declining franchise legend into a useful starting cornerback. The Saints reunited Campbell with Bum Phillips, but the move chased nostalgia more than remaining value. Campbell was no longer the dominant back from his Oilers peak, and New Orleans burned premium draft capital for a short, limited return.

Houston acquired the 1978 first overall pick from Tampa Bay and used it on Earl Campbell, landing a Hall of Fame running back and instant franchise centerpiece. Tampa Bay received Jimmie Giles and multiple picks, so the Buccaneers did get real value from the move. But Houston got the defining player, the larger historical legacy, and the cleaner hindsight win.