Cleveland converted veteran linebacker Johnny Brewer into a…
Cleveland converted veteran linebacker Johnny Brewer into a 1970 second-round pick, No. 36 overall, that became defensive end Joe “Turkey” Jones. Brewer still gave New Orleans 37 games and 31 starts from 1968 through 1970, so the Saints received real short-term value. Jones, however, developed into a 134-game NFL defender, giving Cleveland the stronger long-range return and the win.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1970 second round pick (#36-Joe Jones)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Johnny Brewer
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Cleveland sent veteran linebacker Johnny Brewer to New Orleans in August 1968 for a future second-round selection. The pick became No. 36 overall in the 1970 draft, where the Browns selected defensive end Joe “Turkey” Jones. The existing entry listed Brewer twice under slightly different names, so the player return is stated once while preserving the same transaction and route.
What New Orleans Got
Brewer was not a throwaway acquisition. He stepped directly into the Saints’ lineup, starting 13 games in 1968 and all 14 in 1969. Across three New Orleans seasons he appeared in 37 games with 31 starts. For a young franchise, that was useful veteran stability at linebacker and makes the Saints’ side better than a low-end grade would suggest.
What Cleveland Got
The Browns waited for their return, but the second-round choice became a much more durable asset. Joe Jones was selected 36th overall in 1970 and played 134 NFL games over his career. Even though his entire career was not spent in Cleveland, the Browns turned an older veteran into premium draft capital that produced a long-tenured NFL defensive end.
Final Verdict
Both teams received legitimate value, which keeps this from being a lopsided result. New Orleans got three seasons of meaningful linebacker play, while Cleveland secured a high second-round choice that became a far more durable NFL player. The combination of draft position and career longevity gives Cleveland the edge, with a B+ for the Browns and a B for the Saints.