New Orleans sent offensive lineman Don Talbert to Dallas for…
New Orleans sent offensive lineman Don Talbert to Dallas for running back Doug Mooers and a 1972 fourth-round pick, No. 104. The Saints later moved that pick onward, so Eric Allen should be treated as the eventual player tied to the selection rather than a New Orleans draftee. Mooers became a 14-game Saints starter in 1972, while Talbert had a smaller Dallas role, giving New Orleans the edge.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Don Talbert
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Doug Mooers
- pick 1972 fourth round pick (#104, later traded onward and ultimately used on Eric Allen)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
New Orleans traded offensive lineman Don Talbert to Dallas on July 31, 1971, for running back Doug Mooers and a 1972 fourth-round draft choice. The pick became No. 104 overall. Its later chain matters: New Orleans subsequently moved the selection, and it eventually reached Baltimore, which used it on Eric Allen. Allen therefore should not be presented as a player drafted by the Saints from this deal.
What New Orleans Got
Mooers supplied the most direct value in the transaction. His first Saints season was brief, but in 1972 he appeared in all 14 games and started all 14, giving New Orleans a full season of regular lineup work. The fourth-round pick was an additional asset that the Saints retained the ability to trade later. Even without crediting New Orleans for Allen's later selection, that combination gave the club both immediate personnel and future flexibility.
What Dallas Got
Talbert contributed to the 1971 Cowboys, appearing in nine regular-season games and starting two. He was part of a championship roster, but his individual Dallas role was limited and his stint did not match the full-season starting value Mooers later gave New Orleans. Dallas therefore received a usable veteran, just not enough direct production to overcome the two assets it surrendered.
How the Value Separated
This is not a blowout because Talbert did play for Dallas and the Saints did not personally select Allen with the traded pick. The difference comes from Mooers' 14-start 1972 season plus the separate value of controlling a fourth-round choice. New Orleans extracted more opportunities and more starting work from the exchange.
Final Verdict
New Orleans wins modestly, B- to C. Mooers became the most substantial direct contributor for either acquiring team, and the extra fourth-round asset adds enough value to separate the sides without overstating the later Eric Allen connection.