New Orleans sent pick No. 229 and a 2018 second-rounder to…
New Orleans sent pick No. 229 and a 2018 second-rounder to San Francisco for pick No. 67, then selected Alvin Kamara. Kamara became one of the defining players of the Saints' modern era, earning five straight Pro Bowls to begin his career and setting major franchise rushing marks. San Francisco found some value in Adrian Colbert and later draft maneuvering, but nothing close to Kamara's impact.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2017 3rd round pick (67th overall, Alvin Kamara )
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2017 7th round pick (229th overall, Adrian Colbert)
- pick 2018 2nd round pick (59th overall subsequently traded, Derrius Guice )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
New Orleans moved into the third round at No. 67 by sending San Francisco pick No. 229 and its 2018 second-round selection. The Saints used No. 67 on Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara. San Francisco selected safety Adrian Colbert at No. 229 and later used the future second-round asset, No. 59, as part of the 2018 move that brought back picks No. 44 and No. 142.
Why New Orleans Won Big
Kamara transformed the transaction. He became an immediate centerpiece of Sean Payton's offense, made the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons and developed into a rare dual-threat runner and receiver. By 2026 he owned major Saints rushing records and had remained with the franchise far longer than the typical running back. Paying a future second looked aggressive on draft night, but the production made the premium easy to justify.
How San Francisco's Return Aged
The 49ers did receive usable pieces. Colbert started games early in his career, and pick No. 59 helped San Francisco move up for Dante Pettis while also receiving No. 142, later used on D.J. Reed. Pettis did not become the long-term offensive weapon the club hoped for, while Reed eventually found his best years elsewhere. The chain produced some roster value, just not anything comparable to Kamara's sustained New Orleans impact.
Final Verdict
New Orleans earns an A+ and San Francisco a C+. The 49ers accumulated legitimate assets, but the Saints identified a star and paid a price that became trivial relative to his career. New Orleans Saints Win.