St. Louis acquired right tackle Kyle Turley from New Orleans…
St. Louis acquired right tackle Kyle Turley from New Orleans in March 2003 for a 2004 second-round pick. Turley started all 16 games for the 12-4 Rams in his first season, but serious back problems prevented him from playing again for St. Louis. New Orleans used the 60th overall pick on linebacker Courtney Watson, whose Saints tenure was also limited. The Saints win because they converted Turley into premium draft capital before his availability collapsed.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Kyle Turley
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2004 2nd round pick (60th overall, Courtney Watson)
Trade Analysis
Why St. Louis Paid for Turley
The Rams were protecting a high-powered offense and wanted a proven tackle opposite Orlando Pace. Kyle Turley had been a durable, established starter in New Orleans, and St. Louis was willing to surrender a future second-round pick to secure him. In 2003 the plan worked: Turley started all 16 regular-season games as the Rams went 12-4 and won the NFC West.
What New Orleans Received
The Saints chose draft capital over extending the relationship with Turley. The 2004 second-round pick became No. 60 overall and was used on linebacker Courtney Watson. Watson did not develop into a long-term star, so New Orleans did not maximize the pick in player terms, but obtaining a second-rounder for a veteran tackle was substantial value at the time.
How Injuries Changed the Calculation
The decisive hindsight factor is Turley's health after his first Rams season. Back problems and surgery kept him from playing another game for St. Louis. That turned what initially looked like a useful multi-year offensive-line investment into one productive season. New Orleans did not receive a great player outcome from Watson, but the Saints had already shifted the injury and contract risk while banking a premium selection.
Final Verdict
New Orleans Saints Win. St. Louis earns a C-plus because Turley started every game for a 12-win team and provided immediate value. New Orleans earns a B-plus because the Saints extracted a second-round pick before Turley's availability deteriorated. The return was not perfectly converted, but controlling premium draft capital proved more valuable than receiving only one season from the veteran tackle.