Los Angeles Rams–New Orleans Saints Trade History

Los Angeles Rams received Kent Kramer from New Orleans Saints in the 1968-08-22 trade. Los Angeles acquired Kent Kramer, but the Saints' official history says he suffered a knee injury and missed the entire 1968 season before later being. New Orleans Saints's return was 1970 fifth round pick (#126-Steve Ramsey). New Orleans received the 1970 fifth-round pick used on quarterback Steve Ramsey. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Los Angeles acquired quarterback Karl Sweetan from New Orleans for the 1971 fourth-round pick later used on Don Morrison. Sweetan served as a reserve for two Rams seasons, appearing in 11 games and throwing only 26 regular-season passes. Morrison became a long-term Saints starting tackle, starting 92 games for New Orleans from 1971 through 1977. The Rams received modest backup value while surrendering the asset that produced a foundational lineman.

New Orleans wanted veteran interior-line help and acquired center Frank Marchlewski from Los Angeles for a future draft choice. Transaction records identify the move on January 20, 1970; the exact Rams selection is not securely attributable, so the return stays described as a future draft choice. New Orleans gets the stronger grade because it acquired a usable veteran and then converted him into a fourth-round asset. Los Angeles recovered future capital, but the Saints extracted more identifiable football value from the player.

On 1970-10-10, Los Angeles Rams received 1971 seventeenth round pick (#418-Randy Vataha), while New Orleans Saints received Elijah Pitts. The final verdict is New Orleans Saints Win, with Los Angeles Rams graded C+ and New Orleans Saints graded B. The hindsight view follows the documented consideration and later traceable value without treating every named pick outcome as if it had been directly exchanged on trade day. Both sides have identifiable consideration, allowing the hindsight grade to focus on what those assets actually became.

Los Angeles traded linebacker Ken Bordelon to New Orleans for a 1977 fourth-round pick and used No. 91 on quarterback Vince Ferragamo. Ferragamo eventually became a multi-year Rams starter and took over the 1979 team during its run to Super Bowl XIV, giving Los Angeles exceptional value from a fourth-round selection.

Los Angeles Rams received Bivian Lee from New Orleans Saints in the 1976-08-08 trade. Los Angeles acquired cornerback Bivian Lee, a direct veteran roster return in 1976. New Orleans Saints's return was 1977 sixth round pick (#162-Tom Schick). New Orleans received the 1977 sixth-round pick at No. 162. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

The Rams traded veteran quarterback Jim Everett to New Orleans in March 1994 for a 1995 seventh-round pick. Everett was no longer Los Angeles' long-term answer, but he went on to give New Orleans multiple seasons of starting quarterback play. The Rams received only late-round compensation for a veteran who remained capable of starting elsewhere.

St. Louis traded wide receiver Eddie Kennison to New Orleans for the 41st pick in the 1999 draft and used it on cornerback Dre’ Bly. Bly played 167 NFL games, intercepted 43 passes, made two Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl as a rookie. Kennison remained a productive NFL receiver, but his Saints stay was brief, giving the Rams the stronger long-term return.

St. Louis acquired right tackle Kyle Turley from New Orleans in March 2003 for a 2004 second-round pick. Turley started all 16 games for the 12-4 Rams in his first season, but serious back problems prevented him from playing again for St. Louis. New Orleans used the 60th overall pick on linebacker Courtney Watson, whose Saints tenure was also limited. The Saints win because they converted Turley into premium draft capital before his availability collapsed.