New Orleans acquired quarterback Todd Bouman from Minnesota…
New Orleans acquired quarterback Todd Bouman from Minnesota in March 2003 for a sixth-round pick. Minnesota used the 190th overall selection on linebacker Mike Nattiel, while Bouman served as veteran quarterback depth for the Saints. Neither side landed a long-term centerpiece, but the Vikings turned a reserve passer into a draft choice that became a roster contributor, giving Minnesota the modest edge in the deal.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2003 6th round pick (190th overall, Mike Nattiel)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Todd Bouman
Trade Analysis
Why New Orleans Added Bouman
The Saints wanted experienced quarterback depth behind Aaron Brooks and acquired Todd Bouman from Minnesota for a sixth-round selection. Bouman had spent several seasons in the Vikings system and had NFL game experience, making him a practical backup option. The cost was low enough that New Orleans did not need him to become a starter for the move to make sense.
What Minnesota Received
Minnesota converted a reserve quarterback into pick No. 190 in the 2003 draft. The Vikings used the selection on Florida linebacker Mike Nattiel. Team draft history confirms that the choice came from New Orleans for Bouman. Nattiel gave Minnesota a young defensive and special-teams option rather than allowing Bouman's roster value to disappear without compensation.
How the Modest Returns Compare
Neither side produced a headline outcome. Bouman filled the veteran-depth role New Orleans wanted, but he was never going to displace Brooks as the long-term starter. Nattiel likewise did not become a star in Minnesota. The difference is structural: the Vikings moved a player from a position where they could afford to deal and received a controllable rookie asset, while the Saints spent a pick for short-term quarterback insurance.
Final Verdict
Minnesota Vikings Win. New Orleans receives a C because the acquisition price was reasonable and Bouman provided experienced depth. Minnesota earns a B-minus for turning a reserve passer into a draft pick that became a roster contributor. The separation is modest, but the Vikings extracted more lasting organizational value from a player they no longer needed to keep.