New Orleans acquired Bob Davis, punter Steve O'Neal and a…
New Orleans acquired Bob Davis, punter Steve O'Neal and a 1974 fourth-round choice from the Jets for Julian Fagan, Margene Adkins and a 1974 eighth-round selection on June 5, 1973. O'Neal immediately became the Saints' punter, and the higher draft choice gave New Orleans the stronger asset package. The Saints earn the edge even though neither side created a major long-term centerpiece.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Bob Davis (c)
- player Steve O'Neal
- pick 1974 fourth round pick (#83) [later traded to San Francisco 49ers for Allen Dunbar / Jubilee Dunbar]
New York Jets Received
- player Julian Fagan
- player Margene Adkins
- pick 1974 eighth round pick (#192-Larry Lightfoot)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
The June 5, 1973 exchange was a six-asset deal. New Orleans received quarterback Bob Davis, punter Steve O'Neal and a 1974 fourth-round draft choice. New York received punter Julian Fagan, receiver Margene Adkins and the Saints' 1974 eighth-round selection. Both the Saints' 1973 material and the Jets' own historical discussion describe the same core package.
What New Orleans Received
O'Neal was the most immediately useful veteran in the trade. He joined New Orleans after four seasons as the Jets' primary punter and handled the Saints' punting job in 1973. Davis added quarterback depth behind Archie Manning, while the fourth-round choice provided substantially better draft position than the eighth-round pick New Orleans surrendered. The Saints did not uncover a franchise star through the transaction, but they improved a specialist position and upgraded draft capital at the same time.
What New York Received
Fagan and Adkins gave the Jets experienced roster options, and the eighth-round selection ultimately became Larry Lightfoot. The problem for New York is the value comparison. Moving from a fourth-round asset to an eighth-round asset is a meaningful downgrade, and neither veteran received from New Orleans created enough lasting Jets value to erase that gap. The package was useful depth rather than a strong long-term return.
Final Verdict
New Orleans wins because it combined the better draft asset with a veteran punter who immediately filled a regular role. The Jets received multiple pieces, so this is not a lopsided result, but their lower pick and limited veteran return do not match what the Saints obtained. B- for New Orleans and C for New York captures a clear but moderate advantage.