Los Angeles traded linebacker Ken Bordelon to New Orleans for…
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
- pick 1977 fourth round pick (#91-Vince Ferragamo)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Ken Bordelon
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
The Rams sent linebacker Ken Bordelon to New Orleans on July 11, 1976, in exchange for a 1977 fourth-round choice. Los Angeles used that pick, No. 91 overall, on Nebraska quarterback Vince Ferragamo. Bordelon went on to spend six seasons with the Saints, while Ferragamo eventually became a significant Rams starter. Both sides therefore received real multi-year value from a relatively modest transaction.
Why the Rams Get the Edge
Ferragamo supplied the higher-impact outcome because quarterback performance can alter an entire season. After beginning 1979 behind Pat Haden, he took over the starting job and helped Los Angeles navigate the stretch run and playoffs to Super Bowl XIV. He later produced a 30-touchdown season in 1980 and, across multiple Rams stints, accumulated more than 11,000 career passing yards. Getting that level of quarterback production from a fourth-round pick is an excellent payoff.
How New Orleans’ Return Held Up
Bordelon’s Saints career should not be dismissed. He remained with New Orleans for six seasons and provided sustained linebacker depth and starting experience. For a club still building its roster in the 1970s, six years of service from a player acquired for a future fourth-rounder is a respectable result. The Saints simply ran into the higher positional ceiling created when Los Angeles used that pick on a quarterback who could win postseason games.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles receives an A because Ferragamo turned a fourth-round asset into meaningful starting quarterback play, a Super Bowl run and several productive seasons. New Orleans receives a B because Bordelon supplied six years of useful defensive service. The Rams win on peak impact and positional importance, but the Saints also made a sound acquisition and deserve more credit than a one-sided label would imply.