New Orleans traded running back Jim Otis to Kansas City in…
New Orleans traded running back Jim Otis to Kansas City in January 1971 for the seventh-round pick that became receiver Bob Newland. Newland became an outstanding late-round return, catching 124 passes for 1,877 yards and eight touchdowns in 56 Saints games from 1971 through 1974. Otis contributed two reserve seasons for Kansas City, but Newland's sustained receiving production created a decisive Saints win.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- player Jim Otis
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1971 7th round pick (172nd overall, Bob Newland)
Trade Analysis
The January Trade
New Orleans moved Jim Otis to Kansas City on January 27, 1971 for a seventh-round draft selection. The pick became No. 172 overall in the 1971 draft, and the Saints used it on Oregon receiver Bob Newland. The Chiefs acquired a usable young running back, but the late-round selection developed into the more valuable player.
Otis With Kansas City
Otis played 13 games for the Chiefs in 1971 and 10 more in 1972. Across those seasons he rushed 78 times for 276 yards and caught 25 passes for 157 yards. He scored two receiving touchdowns in 1971. Kansas City received legitimate reserve production, but Otis never started a game for the Chiefs and left after two seasons.
Newland's Saints Career
Newland dramatically outperformed normal seventh-round expectations. He played four seasons for New Orleans, appearing in 56 games. He caught 124 passes for 1,877 yards and eight touchdowns. In 1972 he led the Saints with 47 receptions for 579 yards, then followed with 29 catches for 489 yards and four touchdowns in 1973. New Orleans obtained a genuine multi-year receiving weapon from the pick.
The Difference in Impact
Kansas City received two seasons of useful backfield depth. New Orleans received four seasons from a receiver who became a central part of the passing game. Because the Saints acquired Newland with a seventh-rounder, the surplus value was substantial.
Final Verdict
New Orleans Saints Win. The Saints earn an A for turning a seventh-round choice into 124 catches and 1,877 receiving yards. Kansas City earns a C because Otis contributed in both seasons, but his reserve role and limited production fall well short of Newland's impact.
Newland became a productive four-year New Orleans receiver, while Otis gave Kansas City two seasons of reserve work and much less total offensive production.