Green Bay acquired Richard Winther from New Orleans for the…
Green Bay acquired Richard Winther from New Orleans for the 1972 fifth-round pick later used on Bill Butler. Winther's Packers stay was brief and produced limited playing value. Butler, by contrast, spent three seasons with the Saints, appeared in 41 games, and started 21, giving New Orleans a much stronger realized return from a modest draft choice.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Richard Winther
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1972 fifth round pick (#111-Bill Butler)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Green Bay acquired Richard Winther from New Orleans for the 1972 fifth-round selection that became Bill Butler. Draft-trade records identify Butler as the player selected with the Saints' return. The original transaction matters because later pick movement can blur what each club actually received. This version keeps the identified assets attached to the correct side.
What Green Bay Packers Received
Green Bay Packers came away with Richard Winther. Winther's Packers stay was brief and produced limited playing value. Butler, by contrast, spent three seasons with New Orleans, appeared in 41 games and started 21, creating a much stronger realized return from a modest pick. The grade reflects both the quality of that return and how directly it benefited the franchise.
What New Orleans Saints Received
New Orleans Saints received 1972 fifth round pick (#111-Bill Butler). The comparison is not based only on the apparent value of the package on trade day. It weighs what those assets became, how long the player contribution lasted, whether a draft choice produced usable service, and whether either side quickly moved on without meaningful return.
How the Value Aged
Winther's Packers stay was brief and produced limited playing value. Butler, by contrast, spent three seasons with New Orleans, appeared in 41 games and started 21, creating a much stronger realized return from a modest pick. That is the key separator in the hindsight grade. The transaction can still have made sense for both clubs at the time, especially when veterans, roster needs and future choices were valued differently than they are today. The verdict instead measures the football value each franchise ultimately captured from the assets received in this specific exchange.
Final Verdict
The best hindsight result is New Orleans Saints Win. Green Bay Packers earns a C and New Orleans Saints earns a B+. Flips from Even to New Orleans based on Butler’s three-season contribution versus Winther’s brief Packers stay. The grade spread stays proportional to the actual impact: a clear but modest advantage remains modest, while a long-term starter or star compared with little return creates a wider separation.