Buffalo moved a future third-round pick to New Orleans for…
Buffalo moved a future third-round pick to New Orleans for the 1983 fourth-round choice used on defensive end Jimmy Payne. Payne spent his rookie year on injured reserve and never developed into an NFL contributor. The cost became meaningful when the Saints used Buffalo's 1984 third-rounder on safety Terry Hoage, who started 13 games with four interceptions for New Orleans in 1985.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1983 fourth round pick (#112-Jimmy Payne)
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1984 third round pick (#68-Terry Hoage)
Trade Analysis
Why Buffalo Made the Move
Buffalo wanted another defensive-line prospect in the 1983 draft and acquired the Saints' fourth-round selection, No. 112. The Bills used it on Georgia defensive end Jimmy Payne. Buffalo's own 1984 media guide says the choice came from New Orleans in exchange for the Bills' third-round pick the following year, firmly tying the two draft assets together.
What Buffalo Received
Payne had been a decorated college lineman, but his professional opportunity disappeared quickly. He spent the entire 1983 season on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He did not become an NFL regular afterward, so the Bills received almost no realized professional value from a pick for which they had paid a future third-rounder.
How New Orleans Cashed In
The Saints held Buffalo's 1984 third-round choice and selected Georgia safety Terry Hoage at No. 68. Hoage played 14 games as a rookie, then started 13 games for New Orleans in 1985 and intercepted four passes. He later continued a long NFL career elsewhere, but the Saints themselves still received two seasons and a productive starting year from the selection.
Why the Saints Win
This is a straightforward difference in realized value. Buffalo spent the more valuable future-round asset on a player who never contributed in an NFL game, while New Orleans turned the return into a defensive back who became a starter and playmaker for the club. The one-round difference in draft timing does not overcome that gap.
Final Verdict
New Orleans earns a B+ and Buffalo a D+. Hoage did not spend his entire career with the Saints, so this is not an all-time franchise-changing return. Still, New Orleans received useful starting production from the exact pick Buffalo surrendered, while the Bills received no comparable on-field payoff from Payne.