Indianapolis acquired running back Ricky Williams from New…
Indianapolis acquired running back Ricky Williams from New Orleans at the 2002 roster cutdown for a 2003 seventh-round pick. This was the former Texas Tech back, not the star running back with the same name. Williams gave the Colts modest depth over two seasons, totaling 190 rushing yards, 177 receiving yards and four touchdowns. New Orleans received a late pick that was later moved. Neither side generated enough value for a clear win.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Ricky Williams
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2003 7th round pick (239th overall subsequently traded, Tully Banta-Cain )
Trade Analysis
Why Indianapolis Added Williams
The Colts acquired Ricky Williams at the start of the 2002 season to deepen the running back room. This transaction involved the former Texas Tech player, not the higher-profile running back with the same name who had starred for New Orleans. Indianapolis paid only a future seventh-round selection, which made the move a low-cost way to add an experienced reserve behind its primary offensive options.
What Williams Gave the Colts
Williams appeared in 23 games for Indianapolis across 2002 and 2003 and made four starts. His production was modest but tangible: 190 rushing yards, 177 receiving yards and four total touchdowns during those two seasons. He did not become a major offensive piece, yet a seventh-round acquisition does not need to become a star to provide acceptable value. Indianapolis received real depth and occasional offensive snaps for a minimal draft cost.
How New Orleans Preserved Value
The Saints received a 2003 seventh-round pick, listed in the transaction chain as the 239th overall selection before it was subsequently moved. That is limited capital, but it still gave New Orleans another asset to use in later roster construction. Because Williams was a reserve rather than a core player, obtaining a future pick was a reasonable way to recover some value. The pick did not become a major direct Saints contributor, so the return remained modest.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Indianapolis and New Orleans each receive a C+. The Colts got two seasons of usable running back depth and a handful of starts for a very small price. The Saints converted a reserve player into a draft asset and avoided giving away value with no return. Neither side found a major building block, but both accomplished a sensible roster-management goal at low stakes, leaving little basis for declaring a winner.