New England acquired veteran corner Duane Starks and pick 145…
New England acquired veteran corner Duane Starks and pick 145 from Arizona for picks 95 and 168. Starks started six games but struggled, landed on injured reserve and was released after one season. Arizona did not turn its two selections into stars, yet Darryl Blackstock supplied several seasons of linebacker depth, giving the Cardinals the better direct return from a deal that disappointed both sides.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 2005 3rd round pick (95th overall, Darryl Blackstock)
- pick 2005 5th round pick (168th overall, Lance Mitchell)
New England Patriots Received
- player Duane Starks
- pick 2005 5th round pick (145th overall, later traded; Dan Orlovsky selected)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
New England needed veteran help in the secondary after parting with Ty Law and saw Starks as an experienced corner with postseason pedigree. Arizona was rebuilding under Dennis Green and preferred younger draft assets, so the Cardinals included their fifth-round slot at 145 while receiving picks 95 and 168. The Patriots accepted the swap because Starks addressed an immediate need and the exchanged fifth-rounders softened the price.
What the Returns Produced
Starks played seven games, started six and recorded 26 tackles before a shoulder injury sent him to injured reserve. New England released him the following February. The Patriots later moved pick 145 as part of another draft transaction, but the direct veteran return was a clear disappointment. Arizona selected linebacker Darryl Blackstock at 95 and Lance Mitchell at 168; Blackstock at least contributed as a rotational defender for several seasons.
How the Value Developed
Arizona's return was not especially strong, which keeps the grade modest. Blackstock never became a full-time impact starter and Mitchell had little NFL value. Still, the Cardinals received multiple young assets for a veteran who gave New England less than one full season. The Patriots' fifth-round position retained some transaction value, but it could not offset the failed Starks acquisition.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This is a case where the winner is determined more by avoiding the bigger loss than by landing a star. New England paid for an immediate answer at corner and did not receive one. Arizona converted an aging veteran into extra draft opportunities and got enough from Blackstock to claim a narrow hindsight victory.
Final Verdict
Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win is the best fit. Arizona Cardinals earns a C+, while New England Patriots earns a D+. Those grades reflect the cost paid, the direct production received, the length and quality of each contribution, and any important downstream value created from draft capital.