Atlanta traded Ernie Wheelwright to New Orleans for Ray Ogden…
Atlanta traded Ernie Wheelwright to New Orleans for Ray Ogden on October 3, 1967. Both teams received useful players, but Ogden produced the stronger immediate two-season return for Atlanta: 19 catches for 308 yards in 11 games after the trade, then 25 catches for 452 yards in 1968. Wheelwright contributed for the Saints through 1969, keeping New Orleans’ side respectable but slightly behind.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Ray Ogden
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Ernie Wheelwright (Lamour)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Atlanta and New Orleans swapped Ernie Wheelwright for Ray Ogden on October 3, 1967. A next-day contemporary newspaper report states that the Falcons sent Wheelwright to the Saints for Ogden, and Ogden’s transaction record lists the same date. Both players then appeared for their new clubs that season, so there is no ambiguity about whether the trade was completed.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Ogden became an immediate receiving weapon. After playing two games for New Orleans, he appeared in 11 games with eight starts for Atlanta and caught 19 passes for 308 yards and a touchdown. In 1968 he started all 14 games, adding 25 catches for 452 yards and two scores. For a young expansion-era offense, that gave Atlanta two seasons of real starting production rather than merely a depth player.
New Orleans Saints Return
Wheelwright also contributed. He played nine games with six starts for New Orleans in 1967, rushing 59 times for 198 yards and catching nine passes. He remained with the Saints in 1968 and 1969, scoring five total touchdowns in 1969. The return therefore had multi-season utility and should not be treated as a loss of value, even if his production was less explosive than Ogden’s Atlanta receiving numbers.
Value in Hindsight
This was a productive trade for both sides. New Orleans gained a veteran back who helped stabilize an expansion roster, while Atlanta received a pass catcher who immediately stretched the field and followed with a 452-yard season. Ogden’s combination of starts, receiving yardage and two-year impact gives Atlanta the stronger realized return, but Wheelwright’s continued Saints service makes the margin modest rather than overwhelming.
Final Verdict
Atlanta wins narrowly. The Falcons earn a B+ for two strong seasons of receiving value from Ogden. New Orleans receives a B because Wheelwright supplied several seasons of usable backfield depth and later scoring production. The exchange worked for both clubs, with Ogden’s higher immediate offensive impact creating the deciding edge.