New Orleans acquired linebacker Dennis Winston from…
New Orleans acquired linebacker Dennis Winston from Pittsburgh during the 1982 draft for the sixth-round pick used on Craig Bingham. Winston became an immediate Saints starter, making 42 starts in 43 games from 1982 through early 1985 and intercepting seven passes during that span. Bingham appeared in 29 games for Pittsburgh from 1982 through 1984 with one start. The Saints received substantially more impact from the exchange.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Dennis Winston
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1982 sixth round pick (#167-Craig Bingham)
Trade Analysis
Why New Orleans Acquired Winston
The Saints traded a sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh during the 1982 draft for veteran linebacker Dennis Winston. Winston had already spent five seasons with the Steelers and brought championship-era experience. New Orleans paid a modest draft price for a defender who could step directly into the lineup.
What the Saints Received
Winston became an immediate starter. He started all nine games in the strike-shortened 1982 season, all 16 in 1983 and all 16 again in 1984. Across those three seasons he recorded seven interceptions, including three in 1983 and two in 1984, while providing steady linebacker production. He remained with New Orleans briefly in 1985 before returning to Pittsburgh.
How Pittsburgh Used the Pick
The Steelers selected linebacker Craig Bingham at No. 167. Bingham appeared in six games as a rookie, 12 in 1983 and 11 in 1984, but he started only once during that initial Pittsburgh stretch. He later returned for three starts in 1987, giving the Steelers some depth but never matching Winston's Saints role.
Why New Orleans Wins
A sixth-round pick turning into a multi-year reserve is not a poor result. The difference is that New Orleans obtained a veteran who immediately became a full-time starter and generated turnovers for several seasons. The Saints bought substantially more certainty and production than Pittsburgh recovered from the selection.
Final Verdict
New Orleans earns an A- and Pittsburgh a C+. Winston's 42 starts in 43 Saints games from 1982 through early 1985 made the modest draft cost extremely worthwhile. Bingham contributed depth, but the gap in starting impact makes the Saints the clear winner.