New Orleans acquired linebacker Pat Hughes from the New York…
New Orleans acquired linebacker Pat Hughes from the New York Giants on April 21, 1977 for a 1978 tenth-round pick. That selection became No. 253 overall, Greg Jorgensen. Hughes gave the Saints three full seasons of useful defensive work, playing 46 games and starting 40 from 1977 through 1979. Turning a tenth-round choice into that volume of starting experience favored New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Pat Hughes
New York Giants Received
- pick 1978 tenth round pick (#253-Greg Jorgensen)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
New Orleans traded a 1978 tenth-round choice to the Giants on April 21, 1977 for linebacker Pat Hughes. Draft records trace the selection to No. 253 overall, which New York used on Greg Jorgensen. The package is unusually clean for a late-round 1970s transaction because both the round and the eventual player can be identified.
Hughes in New Orleans
Hughes immediately became useful. NFL statistics show 14 games and eight starts in 1977, then all 16 starts in both 1978 and 1979. Across those three Saints seasons, he appeared in 46 regular-season games and started 40. For the cost of a tenth-round pick, New Orleans acquired a veteran who provided substantial lineup stability.
The Giants' Pick
New York received a legitimate draft asset, but it was near the end of the draft. Jorgensen did not provide a return comparable with Hughes' three-season Saints role. Late picks can become useful players, yet the historical outcome here shows New Orleans converting a minimal draft cost into far more regular-season service.
Comparing the Returns
The trade is a strong example of why round value matters. New Orleans did not sacrifice an early or middle-round opportunity to obtain Hughes. It gave up No. 253 and received 40 starts during the next three seasons. The Giants created an extra selection but did not realize enough value from it to offset the established starter they moved.
Final Verdict
New Orleans Saints Win. The Saints receive a B-plus for acquiring three seasons of starting linebacker play at a tenth-round cost. The Giants receive a C because they gained a real pick but did not match Hughes' subsequent value.
Pat Hughes became a three-season New Orleans starter with 40 starts in 46 games, far exceeding the practical value the Giants received from the future tenth-round selection.