St. Louis acquired John Gilliam from New Orleans and…
St. Louis acquired John Gilliam from New Orleans and immediately unlocked a major offensive season: 52 catches, 997 yards, and nine touchdowns in 1969. The Cardinals paid Dave Long, Dick Kasperek, Brady Keys, and the second-round pick that became Richard Neal. Gilliam was clearly the best individual performer in the deal, but surrendering three veterans plus a second-rounder made the acquisition expensive.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player John Gilliam
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Dave Long
- player Dick Kasperek
- player Brady Keys
- pick 1969 second round pick (#45-Richard Neal / Rich Neal)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On January 28, 1969, the Saints traded John Gilliam to the St. Louis Cardinals. New Orleans received defensive linemen Dave Long and Dick Kasperek, defensive back Brady Keys, and a 1969 second-round draft choice that became Richard Neal at No. 45 overall. The draft transaction record matches the player package, and Saints history confirms Gilliam’s departure for St. Louis.
What New Orleans Got
The Saints chose quantity and defensive help over retaining a young receiver. Long and Kasperek brought veteran line experience, Keys added secondary depth, and the second-round selection gave New Orleans another premium asset. No single piece matched Gilliam’s later receiving peak, but four incoming assets provided flexibility to a young expansion-era roster. That breadth is the central reason the Saints can still be graded favorably even though the outgoing player became the most accomplished name in the trade.
What St. Louis Got
Gilliam produced immediately. In his first Cardinals season he started all 14 games, caught 52 passes for 997 yards, and scored nine receiving touchdowns. He also remained a dangerous returner. That is high-end production from the centerpiece of a trade, and it makes the Cardinals’ side much stronger than a routine veteran acquisition. The drawback is price: St. Louis surrendered three players plus a second-round pick for one receiver, and Gilliam stayed only three seasons before later reaching his greatest Pro Bowl run in Minnesota.
Final Verdict
New Orleans retains the higher grade because the return was unusually broad and included a second-round pick, while St. Louis paid a significant four-asset package. Gilliam’s 1969 season keeps the Cardinals from being graded harshly; they received real star-level output right away. The Saints’ B reflects the depth and draft value acquired, while the Cardinals’ C reflects an expensive deal that nevertheless produced an excellent immediate performer. This is closer than the raw grades suggest, but the total cost favors New Orleans.