New Orleans acquired quarterback Kent Nix and defensive…
New Orleans acquired quarterback Kent Nix and defensive tackle Ron Billingsley from Houston for Edd Hargett, Dave Parks and Tom Stincic in March 1973. Neither Nix nor Billingsley played a regular-season game for the Saints, while Parks made five appearances for Houston. The Oilers therefore receive a slight edge, though the transaction produced little lasting value for either club.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Kent Nix
- player Ron Billingsley
Tennessee Titans Received
- player Edd Hargett
- player Dave Parks
- player Tom Stincic
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Houston's team history lists the March 21, 1973 swap: the Oilers sent defensive tackle Ron Billingsley and quarterback Kent Nix to New Orleans for quarterback Edd Hargett, linebacker Tom Stincic and tight end Dave Parks. New Orleans' 1973 material describes the same five-player exchange from the Saints' side, giving the package strong support from both franchises.
What New Orleans Received
Nix had NFL experience as a quarterback and Billingsley had been a starting defensive lineman earlier in his career. The Saints were buying veteran options at two positions, but the hoped-for return never materialized in regular-season action. Nix did not appear in a game for New Orleans, and Billingsley retired without playing for the Saints because of continuing injury problems. The names were recognizable, yet the direct Saints result was essentially empty.
What Houston Received
Houston's incoming package also fell short of becoming a major success. Hargett did not play for the Oilers, and Stincic retired after the trade when contract discussions did not lead to a playing role. Parks did provide at least some on-field return, appearing in five games for Houston in 1973 and catching three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. That production was limited, but it exceeded the Saints' direct playing return.
Final Verdict
The Oilers receive only a slight win. One short Parks contribution is not enough for a strong grade, especially when Hargett and Stincic added no lasting value. Still, Houston realized some regular-season production while New Orleans received none from Nix or Billingsley. C+ for Houston and C for New Orleans fits the small separation.