Detroit traded Karl Sweetan to New Orleans for Walter 'Flea'…
Detroit traded Karl Sweetan to New Orleans for Walter 'Flea' Roberts and a high 1969 draft choice that team and draft histories trace to third-round pick No. 59, Larry Walton. Sweetan played only five games for the Saints and threw nine interceptions against one touchdown. Walton developed into a long-term Detroit receiver, making the Lions the clear beneficiary of the exchange.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Walter "Flea" Roberts
- pick 1969 third-round pick (#59-Larry Walton)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Karl Sweetan
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Detroit sent quarterback Karl Sweetan to New Orleans on August 13, 1968. Period reporting states that the Lions received Walter 'Flea' Roberts and a high 1969 draft choice. Draft histories connect that choice to Detroit's third-round selection, No. 59 overall, which the Lions used on receiver Larry Walton.
Sweetan with the Saints
New Orleans was searching for quarterback help, but Sweetan's Saints stay was brief and difficult. NFL statistics show five games in 1968 with 27 completions on 78 attempts, 318 passing yards, one touchdown and nine interceptions. He did not establish himself as the franchise answer and was with the Los Angeles Rams the following year.
Detroit's Player and Pick
Roberts gave Detroit an immediate player in the exchange, but the draft choice became the more important piece. Walton developed into a multi-season Lions receiver and produced meaningful offense during the 1970s. The ability to turn the acquired third-round choice into a long-term contributor separates Detroit's return from New Orleans' short Sweetan stint.
Comparing the Returns
The Saints paid two forms of value for a quarterback who produced limited results and left quickly. Detroit moved a player who wanted a change, added Roberts, and gained the selection that became Walton. Even allowing for the uncertainty implied by contemporary descriptions of a 'high' pick, the team histories align on the third-round transfer and the resulting Detroit selection.
Final Verdict
Detroit Lions Win. Detroit receives an A-minus for turning Sweetan into Roberts plus a third-round pick that became a long-term contributor. New Orleans receives a D because Sweetan's five-game tenure produced poor passing results and little lasting value.
Karl Sweetan struggled badly in five Saints games, throwing nine interceptions against one touchdown, while Detroit converted the accompanying high draft choice into Larry Walton, a productive multi-year receiver who supplied far greater long-term value.