Ricky Williams NFL Trade History

New England sent New Orleans a 1984 fourth-round pick in exchange for four late selections in the 1983 draft: Nos. 233, 265, 292 and 319. The Patriots found some useful depth, especially defensive lineman Toby Williams, but the Saints used the future pick on center Joel Hilgenberg. He spent 10 seasons with New Orleans, started 97 games and became a Pro Bowler and Saints Hall of Famer.

Washington turned the No. 5 pick in the 1999 draft into the Saints' remaining 1999 draft class plus first- and third-round selections in 2000. The future first landed at No. 2 overall and became LaVar Arrington, while the rest of the package created extraordinary flexibility across two drafts. Washington did not maximize every individual piece, but controlling eight incoming selections for one move down created a massive roster-building advantage.

Miami acquired Ricky Williams and moved up 11 spots in the fourth round, while New Orleans received Miami's 2002 first-rounder, the lower fourth-round pick and a conditional 2003 selection that became a first-rounder. Williams immediately led the NFL with 1,853 rushing yards in 2002 and remained highly productive in 2003. New Orleans turned the premium picks into Charles Grant and part of the package used to draft Johnathan Sullivan.

Indianapolis acquired running back Ricky Williams from New Orleans at the 2002 roster cutdown for a 2003 seventh-round pick. This was the former Texas Tech back, not the star running back with the same name. Williams gave the Colts modest depth over two seasons, totaling 190 rushing yards, 177 receiving yards and four touchdowns. New Orleans received a late pick that was later moved. Neither side generated enough value for a clear win.