New Orleans acquired linebacker Whitney Paul from Kansas City…
New Orleans acquired linebacker Whitney Paul from Kansas City in 1982 for the 1983 seventh-round pick that became Daryl Posey. Paul became a four-year Saints starter-level defender, appearing in 55 games with 39 starts and producing 23 sacks from 1982 through 1985. Kansas City's pick produced no Chiefs regular-season games, making this a substantial New Orleans win from a modest late-round investment.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- pick 1983 7th round pick (179th overall, Daryl Posey)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Whitney Paul
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Kansas City moved veteran linebacker Whitney Paul to New Orleans during the 1982 season for a 1983 seventh-round draft choice. The Saints' selection became No. 179 overall, and the Chiefs used it on Mississippi College running back Daryl Posey. The price was small for New Orleans, but the acquired player became a significant part of its defense.
Paul's Saints Production
Paul appeared in nine games after arriving in 1982, then moved into a much larger role. He started 15 games in 1983, all 16 in 1984 and eight more in 1985. Across four New Orleans seasons he played 55 games with 39 starts. His pass-rush production was particularly valuable: three sacks in 1982, 5.5 in 1983, 9.5 in 1984 and five in 1985, totaling 23 sacks for the Saints.
Kansas City's Pick
The Chiefs did receive the exact asset promised in the transaction. Draft records identify No. 179 as the New Orleans selection obtained for Paul, and Kansas City used it on Posey. Chiefs franchise draft histories list Posey with zero games played for Kansas City. The late-round return therefore never became on-field production for the club.
Value Separation
New Orleans paid a seventh-rounder and received several seasons of starting defense, including a 9.5-sack season. Kansas City received a legitimate draft opportunity, but the selected player never appeared in a Chiefs regular-season game. The gap is unusually large for a veteran-for-seventh-rounder deal.
Final Verdict
New Orleans Saints Win. The Saints earn an A for acquiring 55 games, 39 starts and 23 sacks at a minimal draft cost. Kansas City earns a D because the seventh-round selection was real but produced no regular-season contribution for the Chiefs.
Paul became a four-year Saints starter-level linebacker with twenty-three sacks, while Kansas City's seventh-round return produced no regular-season games for the Chiefs.