Atlanta received Jerry Jones, Roy Schmidt and Jim Ferguson in…
Atlanta received Jerry Jones, Roy Schmidt and Jim Ferguson in the 1969 exchange, sending Errol Linden and Don Talbert to New Orleans. The incoming group did not provide the same durable return that Talbert later supplied for the Saints. Atlanta still received three veterans in a legitimate multi-player swap, but the realized value supports a C+ grade rather than the stronger side of the deal.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Jerry Jones
- player Roy Schmidt
- player Jim Ferguson
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Errol Linden
- player Don Talbert
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1969-07-02, Atlanta Falcons received Jerry Jones, Roy Schmidt, and Jim Ferguson, while New Orleans Saints received Errol Linden and Don Talbert. The supported package gives both clubs a clear return to evaluate, so the outcome can be judged by the football value each franchise actually realized after the exchange.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received Jerry Jones, Roy Schmidt and Jim Ferguson in the 1969 exchange, sending Errol Linden and Don Talbert to New Orleans. The incoming group did not provide the same durable return that Talbert later supplied for the Saints. Atlanta still received three veterans in a legitimate multi-player swap, but the realized value supports a C+ grade rather than the stronger side of the deal.
New Orleans Saints Return
New Orleans acquired Errol Linden and Don Talbert for Jerry Jones, Roy Schmidt and Jim Ferguson. Talbert became the most useful long-term piece in the transaction, starting for the Saints across two seasons and giving the club meaningful line value. That production separates New Orleans from Atlanta without turning a modest 1969 exchange into a major franchise event, supporting a B grade and the win.
Value in Hindsight
The difference comes from sustained usefulness rather than the number of names in the package. Atlanta received three players, but New Orleans landed the piece with the clearest multi-season starting value. Talbert's contribution gives the Saints a meaningful edge while the limited scale of the trade keeps the grade spread measured.
Final Verdict
The final call is New Orleans Saints Win. Atlanta Falcons earns C+, and New Orleans Saints earns B. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each side realized while keeping the scale of the transaction in proper context.