Washington acquired quarterback Billy Kilmer from New Orleans…
Washington acquired quarterback Billy Kilmer from New Orleans in January 1971 for linebacker Tom Roussel plus 1971 picks No. 88 Richard 'Wimpy' Winther and No. 194 James Elder. Kilmer became a central starter, led Washington to consecutive playoff appearances and started the franchise's first Super Bowl. That impact overwhelms the Saints' three-asset return and makes this a clear Washington win.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Tom Roussel
- pick 1971 fourth round pick (#88-Richard 'Wimpy' Winther)
- pick 1971 eighth round pick (#194-James Elder)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Billy Kilmer
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington acquired Billy Kilmer from New Orleans on January 23, 1971. The Saints received linebacker Tom Roussel plus Washington's 1971 fourth-round selection, No. 88, and eighth-round selection, No. 194. Those picks became Richard 'Wimpy' Winther and James Elder. The quarterback appears only once in the direct package. The deal was one established quarterback for a player and two picks, not a duplicate-player transaction. Washington Commanders Return Washington received the most important asset in the trade by a wide margin. Kilmer became George Allen's starting quarterback, helped the club reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons and started Super Bowl VII. Quarterback play carries disproportionate value, and Kilmer's role in Washington's early-1970s success gives the acquisition significance far beyond a routine veteran move. The Commanders paid multiple assets, but they received a player who directly influenced championship-level seasons. New Orleans Saints Return New Orleans received Roussel and two draft choices, giving the Saints more pieces on paper. That quantity deserves some credit because the club gained immediate linebacker depth and two future roster opportunities. The problem is that none of those assets approached the importance Kilmer reached in Washington. When the outgoing quarterback becomes a successful multi-year starter and a Super Bowl starter, ordinary mid- and late-round returns struggle to balance the equation. Value in Hindsight This is one of the clearer outcomes in the wave because the positional impact is so substantial. Washington did not merely obtain a short-term backup; it acquired the quarterback who became the face of a playoff run and a Super Bowl season. New Orleans received a respectable package in volume, but the realized value was far lower. The correct comparison must reflect Kilmer's actual Washington career rather than treating the trade as even on asset count. Final Verdict Washington earns a B+ and New Orleans a C-. The Commanders paid a player and two selections, yet the return at quarterback justified that price many times over through playoff and Super Bowl impact. The Saints received three assets but failed to match Kilmer's value. This is a decisive Washington win and should no longer carry an even verdict or duplicate Kilmer entry.