Miami sent wide receiver Melvin Baker to New Orleans for a…
Miami sent wide receiver Melvin Baker to New Orleans for a 1976 seventh-round choice used on Joe Ingersoll. Baker appeared in two games with one start for the Saints before moving on, while Ingersoll never logged an NFL regular-season career. Neither return was substantial, but New Orleans at least received brief on-field production, giving the Saints a narrow edge.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1976 seventh round pick (#185-Joe Ingersoll)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Melvin Baker / Mel Baker
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Miami traded wide receiver Melvin Baker to New Orleans on September 9, 1975, for a future seventh-round draft choice. Dolphins historical material supports the player-for-pick exchange, and draft-transaction records identify the 1976 selection as No. 185, Joe Ingersoll. The duplicate Baker entry in the existing package is removed so the Saints receive one player, not the same player twice.
What New Orleans Received
Baker’s Saints stay was brief, but it did reach the field. NFL records credit him with two games and one start for New Orleans in 1975, along with two receptions for 26 yards and one rush for 21 yards. He then moved through other clubs. That is modest production, but it is still a concrete return from a seventh-round acquisition.
What Miami Received
The Dolphins recovered a late draft choice and used it on Ingersoll. The move was sensible roster management for a receiver they were prepared to part with. Ingersoll, however, did not establish an NFL regular-season career. Miami therefore received the opportunity represented by the pick, but no meaningful direct on-field production from the selected player.
Why New Orleans Gets a Small Edge
Neither side found a long-term contributor. The Saints received only a short look at Baker, while the Dolphins’ draft choice did not make a regular-season impact. The distinction is simply that Baker played and started for New Orleans, giving the Saints a small amount of realized value.
Final Verdict
New Orleans receives a C and Miami a D+. The trade is close and low stakes, but Baker’s brief regular-season contribution is enough to put the Saints slightly ahead of a Miami pick that produced no NFL regular-season career.