Washington sent pick No. 167 to New Orleans for pick No. 187…
Washington sent pick No. 167 to New Orleans for pick No. 187 and a 2016 sixth-rounder. The Saints selected cornerback Damian Swann, whose promising rookie year was interrupted by concussions and whose NFL career lasted only seven games. Washington used the immediate pick on Evan Spencer and the future pick on Nate Sudfeld, but neither became a meaningful contributor for the club. With little lasting return on either side, the trade grades out even.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2015 5th round pick (167th overall, Damian Swann )
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 2015 6th round pick (187th overall, Evan Spencer )
- pick 2016 6th round pick (187th overall, Nate Sudfeld)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
New Orleans traded pick No. 187 in 2015 and a 2016 sixth-round selection to Washington for pick No. 167. The Saints used No. 167 on Georgia cornerback Damian Swann. Washington selected receiver Evan Spencer at No. 187 and later used the future sixth-rounder, also No. 187 in 2016, on quarterback Nate Sudfeld. The exchange gave New Orleans an earlier shot at secondary help while Washington added a second draft chance.
Why New Orleans Moved Up
Swann offered experience, versatility and a path to immediate playing time in a Saints secondary that needed depth. He did play early, appearing in seven games and making two starts as a rookie. Concussion issues repeatedly interrupted that season and ultimately prevented the pick from developing into a longer-term answer. His brief contribution showed why New Orleans targeted him, but the career outcome left the Saints without sustained value.
How Washington's Extra Pick Fared
The move down did not create a hidden jackpot for Washington. Spencer did not become a regular-season contributor for the club. Sudfeld spent his rookie season as Washington's third quarterback and later built a lengthy career as an NFL backup, but most of that value came after he left the organization. In terms of production actually delivered to Washington, the two selections yielded very little.
Final Verdict
This trade is best viewed as a low-impact draw. New Orleans received the player it wanted and briefly got useful defensive snaps, but injuries erased the chance for a lasting return. Washington gained two selections but did not turn either into meaningful on-field value for its own roster. The process differed—New Orleans concentrated capital while Washington spread it—but the realized results were similarly modest. Matching C grades and an even verdict fit the historical outcome.