Chicago sent running back Andy Livingston to New Orleans in…
Chicago sent running back Andy Livingston to New Orleans in July 1969 and received the future second-round pick that became No. 28 in 1971. The Bears selected Jim Harrison, who played 38 games and made 29 starts for Chicago from 1971 through 1974. Harrison rushed for 1,099 yards as a Bear. His multi-season contribution gives Chicago a narrow edge over Livingston's strong but much shorter Saints run.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 1971 2nd round pick (28th overall, Jim Harrison )
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Andy Livingston
Trade Analysis
Immediate Value for New Orleans
The Saints acquired Andy Livingston from Chicago on July 17, 1969 and received exactly the kind of immediate backfield production they wanted. Livingston started all 14 games that season, carried the ball for 761 yards and five touchdowns, and caught 28 passes for 278 yards with three receiving touchdowns. More than 1,000 yards from scrimmage made his first Saints season a genuine success.
The Stay Was Short
Livingston's New Orleans value was concentrated almost entirely in 1969. He appeared in only one game for the Saints in 1970. That does not erase the quality of his first season, but it limits the long-term return. New Orleans received one very productive year rather than a multi-season foundation piece.
Chicago's Future Pick
The Bears received the second-round selection that became No. 28 overall in 1971 and used it on Jim Harrison. Harrison played 38 games for Chicago from 1971 through 1974 and made 29 starts. His best Bears rushing season came in 1972, when he gained 622 yards. Across his Chicago tenure he rushed for 1,099 yards and also contributed as a receiver.
Longevity Breaks the Tie
Livingston had the better single season, while Harrison provided more years and starts. That makes this a close evaluation. New Orleans absolutely received useful value, but Chicago turned the future pick into a multi-season starter and retained the benefit longer.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win, narrowly. Chicago earns a B-plus for turning the deal into Jim Harrison and several seasons of starting backfield value. New Orleans earns a B because Livingston's 1969 season was highly productive. The Bears gain the edge through duration, not because the Saints' acquisition failed.
Livingston delivered one strong Saints season, but Harrison's multi-year Chicago starting role created the more durable realized return from the future second-round selection.