New Orleans traded defensive end Andy Dorris to Seattle on…
New Orleans traded defensive end Andy Dorris to Seattle on September 6, 1977, for an eleventh-round pick in the 1978 draft, No. 285 overall. The Saints selected running back Dave Riley, who did not appear in an NFL regular-season game. Dorris played four games and started once for Seattle, giving the Seahawks a small but measurable edge in realized value.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1978 eleventh-round pick (285th overall, Dave Riley)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Andy Dorris
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Seattle acquired defensive end Andy Dorris from New Orleans on September 6, 1977, sending the Saints an eleventh-round selection in the 1978 draft. The choice became No. 285 overall, which New Orleans used on running back Dave Riley. With such late draft capital involved, even a small amount of regular-season playing time could determine which club received the better return.
New Orleans' Return
The Saints used the 285th pick on Riley, but he did not become a regular-season NFL player. Historical roster information shows New Orleans signed him and later released him during the 1978 preseason. The pick therefore failed to produce game-day value for the Saints. Given the low expected hit rate of an eleventh-round selection, the miss was inexpensive but still left New Orleans without a return.
Seattle's Return
Dorris appeared in four games for the Seahawks during the 1977 season and started once. He did not record a sack or establish a lasting Seattle role, and most of his later NFL production came after joining Houston. Those later accomplishments do not belong to Seattle's side of the trade, but the four appearances still represent more direct value than the Saints received from Riley.
Value in Hindsight
This was a tiny transaction in both cost and impact. Seattle did not find a long-term starter, while New Orleans used a very late pick on a player who never reached a regular-season game. The difference is simply that Dorris contributed at least some snaps for the acquiring team. That is enough for a narrow edge but not enough for a strong grade.
Final Verdict
Seattle Seahawks Win. Seattle earns a C+ for receiving four games and one start from Dorris at the cost of an eleventh-round pick. New Orleans receives a D+ because Riley never played an NFL regular-season game. The Seahawks won on realized value, though the small stakes keep the result far from a major victory.