Indianapolis and New Orleans swapped linebacker Andre Royal…
Indianapolis and New Orleans swapped linebacker Andre Royal for tight end Scott Slutzker at the end of the 1998 preseason. Royal stepped directly into the Colts defense, appearing in 13 games with nine starts that season and making 51 tackles. Slutzker played only three games for New Orleans in 1998 and 11 in 1999. Indianapolis received the more substantial immediate return.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Andre Royal
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Scott Slutzker
Trade Analysis
Why the Colts and Saints Swapped Players
This was a late-preseason exchange between two players whose roles were changing. Indianapolis sent tight end Scott Slutzker to New Orleans and received linebacker Andre Royal. The August 30 transaction is listed the same way in both clubs’ histories. Because no draft choices were involved, the comparison is especially direct: the question is simply which team received more football value from the player coming back.
What Indianapolis Received
Royal became a meaningful part of the Colts defense immediately. In 1998 he appeared in 13 games, started nine and recorded 51 total tackles. He returned in 1999 and started all three games he played before his season ended, adding another 12 tackles and a sack. Royal was not a long-term cornerstone, but Indianapolis acquired a defender capable of taking regular snaps and starting during Peyton Manning’s rookie season.
What New Orleans Received
Slutzker’s role with the Saints was smaller. He appeared in three games in 1998 and caught one pass for 10 yards. In 1999 he played 11 games, started twice and caught 11 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown. That gave New Orleans some reserve tight-end production, but his total impact remained limited. His NFL career ended after that season, while Royal had provided more immediate defensive responsibility in Indianapolis.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis Colts Win. The Colts earn a B because Royal supplied starting-caliber snaps and meaningful tackle production for a player they were prepared to move. New Orleans receives a C- because Slutzker was a useful depth piece but never became a significant part of the offense. Neither return was enormous, yet the difference in role and immediate contribution gives Indianapolis the clear advantage.