NFL Trade Verdict

New Orleans Saints Win

One of the worst trades in franchise history. Minnesota sent two first-round picks (1968 #7-Kevin Hardy and 1969 #17-John Shinners) to New Orleans for backup QB Gary Cuozzo. Cuozzo started only 7 games for Minnesota before Joe Kapp took over. Hardy was a serviceable DE; Shinners was a Pro Bowl guard for the Saints. The picks had enormous value that was completely squandered.

January 29, 1968 Minnesota VikingsNew Orleans Saints Confidence: high Tier: major

New Orleans Saints Received

  • pick 1968 first round pick (#7-Kevin Hardy (Thomas))
  • pick 1969 first round pick (#17-John Shinners)

Trade Summary

One of the worst trades in franchise history. Minnesota sent two first-round picks (1968 #7-Kevin Hardy and 1969 #17-John Shinners) to New Orleans for backup QB Gary Cuozzo. Cuozzo started only 7 games for Minnesota before Joe Kapp took over. Hardy was a serviceable DE; Shinners was a Pro Bowl guard for the Saints. The picks had enormous value that was completely squandered.

Trade Analysis

One of the worst trades in franchise history. Minnesota sent two first-round picks (1968 #7-Kevin Hardy and 1969 #17-John Shinners) to New Orleans for backup QB Gary Cuozzo. Cuozzo started only 7 games for Minnesota before Joe Kapp took over. Hardy was a serviceable DE; Shinners was a Pro Bowl guard for the Saints. The picks had enormous value that was completely squandered. Saints received two first-rounders for a backup QB — a franchise-altering windfall as an expansion team. Kevin Hardy (#7) and John Shinners (#17) gave New Orleans immediate legitimate NFL starters.