Cincinnati traded running back Curtis Keaton to New Orleans…
Cincinnati traded running back Curtis Keaton to New Orleans in 2002 and received a 2003 fourth-round pick that became fullback Jeremi Johnson at No. 118. Keaton appeared in six games for the Saints and carried only 12 times for 19 yards. Johnson became a durable Bengals regular, playing 96 games over seven seasons. Cincinnati converted a fringe player into years of useful starting-caliber backfield work and clearly won the exchange.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 2003 4th round pick (118th overall, Jeremi Johnson)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Curtis Keaton
Trade Analysis
Why New Orleans Took the Chance
The Saints added Curtis Keaton just before the 2002 season, giving up a 2003 fourth-round pick for backfield depth. Keaton had already spent time with Cincinnati and offered experience at a position where injuries and roster churn can create quick needs. The price was not premium capital, but a fourth-rounder still carries enough value that New Orleans needed more than a brief emergency contribution for the deal to work.
What Cincinnati Created From the Pick
Cincinnati waited until the following draft and used the 118th overall selection on fullback Jeremi Johnson. Johnson became exactly the kind of mid-round return that makes this type of trade worthwhile. He appeared in 96 games for the Bengals across seven seasons and served as a regular part of their offense. Fullbacks rarely generate large box-score totals, but durability, blocking responsibility and repeated game-day availability gave Cincinnati years of practical roster value.
How Keaton’s Saints Tenure Fell Short
Keaton’s New Orleans stay was extremely short. He appeared in six games in 2002 and recorded 12 rushing attempts for 19 yards. He did not become a meaningful offensive piece or a lasting Saints depth option. That limited return makes the cost look much larger in hindsight, especially because the surrendered pick directly became a player who stayed with Cincinnati for most of the decade.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati Bengals Win. The Bengals earn a B+ for turning a marginal veteran into a fourth-round choice and then converting that selection into a 96-game contributor. New Orleans receives a D because the Saints surrendered useful future draft capital for a player who provided only a handful of games and minimal rushing production. This is a straightforward example of patience and player development producing far more value than a short-term acquisition.