New Orleans acquired defensive tackle Robert 'Pig' Goff from…
New Orleans acquired defensive tackle Robert 'Pig' Goff from Tampa Bay for a 1991 tenth-round pick that became No. 265, Hyland Hickson. Goff spent six seasons with the Saints, appearing in 89 regular-season games and contributing to their defensive front. Hickson never played an NFL regular-season game. The exchange became a strong New Orleans win because a late pick produced years of useful defensive service.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Robert Goff / Pig Goff
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 1991 tenth round pick (#265-Hyland Hickson)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
At the 1990 roster cutdown, New Orleans acquired defensive tackle Robert 'Pig' Goff from Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers received a 1991 tenth-round selection, eventually No. 265, which they used on Michigan State running back Hyland Hickson.
New Orleans Saints Return
Goff immediately gave the Saints a useful interior defender. He appeared in 15 games in his first New Orleans season and remained with the team through 1995. Across six seasons with the Saints, he played 89 regular-season games and was part of the defensive rotation for teams that consistently leaned on defense. His best statistical stretch included 46 tackles and two sacks in 1993.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return
Hickson arrived with a productive college résumé, including a 1,000-yard senior season at Michigan State, but he never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Tampa Bay at least received a draft choice for a veteran it moved during roster reduction, yet the choice did not become a usable NFL player.
Value in Hindsight
The gap is unusually clear for a tenth-round trade. New Orleans paid a selection that carried little expected value and received six seasons from a defensive tackle who repeatedly made the active roster and contributed meaningful snaps. Tampa Bay's return stopped at the draft stage. Even allowing for the low stakes, one side received sustained NFL production and the other received none.
Final Verdict
New Orleans earns an A- and Tampa Bay a D+. Goff was not a superstar, but acquiring six seasons of defensive-line service for a tenth-round choice was excellent value. The Buccaneers' pick failed to produce an NFL appearance, making this a decisive Saints win.