New Orleans traded running back James Ford to Houston on…
New Orleans traded running back James Ford to Houston on August 1, 1973 for sixth- and tenth-round choices in the 1974 draft. Houston released Ford before the regular season, while the Saints retained two future selections. Because the Oilers received no regular-season contribution and New Orleans recovered two draft assets, the Saints hold a straightforward but still modest hindsight win.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1974 sixth round pick (#131-Jim Washington)
- pick 1974 tenth round pick (#235-Frosty Anderson)
Tennessee Titans Received
- player James Ford
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On August 1, 1973, New Orleans sent running back James Ford to Houston for two selections in the 1974 draft: a sixth-round choice and a tenth-round choice. Draft-trade records identify those slots as No. 131 and No. 235, later used on Jim Washington and Frosty Anderson. Contemporary player histories also place Ford's move to Houston on the same date.
What New Orleans Received
The Saints converted a reserve running back into two future draft assets. Neither selection became a major star, so the return should not be exaggerated, but two picks still created roster-building opportunities. The sixth-round choice carried the more meaningful value and was used on Jim Washington. The tenth-round selection offered an additional chance at a low acquisition cost. New Orleans therefore extracted more optionality from a player who was no longer central to its plans.
What Houston Received
Ford had previously shown some promise in New Orleans, including a productive rookie season, which explains Houston's interest. The deal failed before the regular season began. Houston released Ford on September 11, 1973, and he never played a regular-season game for the Oilers. With no on-field contribution, the club paid two selections without receiving any realized NFL value from the acquired player.
Final Verdict
New Orleans wins comfortably within the scale of a minor transaction. Houston received no regular-season production, while the Saints gained two legitimate draft choices. The sixth- and tenth-round slots were not premium capital, so a B- is more appropriate than an elite grade. Houston's C reflects a failed acquisition whose cost was meaningful but not damaging enough to justify a harsher mark.