Oakland acquired veteran cornerback Eric Allen from New…
Oakland acquired veteran cornerback Eric Allen from New Orleans for the 97th pick in the 1998 draft. Allen intercepted 15 passes in four Raiders seasons and later entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame, giving Oakland a high-impact veteran secondary piece. New Orleans used the fourth-rounder on Fred Weary, who became a useful defensive back, so the Saints still received legitimate value.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Eric Allen
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1998 4th round pick (97th overall, Fred Weary)
Trade Analysis
Why Oakland Wanted a Proven Corner
On March 5, 1998, the Raiders sent New Orleans a fourth-round pick for veteran cornerback Eric Allen. Allen was already an accomplished defensive back with six Pro Bowl selections on his résumé. Oakland was beginning Jon Gruden’s first season and chose proven coverage ability over a mid-round lottery ticket. New Orleans, meanwhile, was able to convert an older veteran into a top-100 draft choice.
What Allen Delivered for the Raiders
Allen’s age did not prevent him from making a major impact. He intercepted five passes in only 10 games in 1998, then added three in 1999 and six in 2000. Across four Raiders seasons he recorded 15 interceptions, including three interception-return touchdowns in 2000. The Pro Football Hall of Fame notes that Allen helped Oakland win consecutive AFC West titles after the trade. He eventually retired with 54 career interceptions and was inducted in 2025.
What New Orleans Got From No. 97
The Saints used the 97th selection on Fred Weary, another defensive back. Weary was not a wasted pick. He appeared in 56 games over four New Orleans seasons and started 25 of them, giving the Saints affordable secondary depth and eventually a regular role. That production keeps the grade from becoming punitive. Still, Weary did not approach Allen’s impact during the same period.
Final Verdict
Oakland Raiders Win. The Raiders earn an A for acquiring a Hall of Fame-caliber corner who immediately produced turnovers and remained a major contributor for four seasons. New Orleans receives a B- because Weary became a legitimate multi-year player and starter. The Saints extracted reasonable value from the pick, but Allen’s 15 interceptions and role on division-winning teams give Oakland the clear advantage.