New Orleans acquired the NFL rights to defensive lineman…

Bruce Clark's path to New Orleans was unusual because Green Bay had drafted him fourth overall in 1980 but never got him into a Packers uniform. Clark chose the Canadian Football League, leaving Green Bay with his NFL rights rather than on-field production. Two years later, the Saints paid a future first-round pick to acquire those rights and finally brought him into the NFL.

The cost was significant. New Orleans' 1983 first-rounder became the 11th overall selection, which Green Bay used on cornerback Tim Lewis. Lewis was not a failed pick in terms of ability. He became a starter and looked capable of developing into an important part of the Packers' secondary. His career, however, was cut short by a neck injury in his fourth season. That shortened the return Green Bay could realize from such a valuable selection.

Clark gave New Orleans the more durable payoff. Green Bay's own historical account credits him with seven seasons for the Saints, 39.5 sacks, and a Pro Bowl selection in 1984 after a 10.5-sack season. He became a core defensive player rather than a short-term rental, which is exactly what New Orleans needed to justify surrendering a high first-round pick.

The grades should still reflect that the Packers received a premium asset and selected a player whose career ended for reasons that were difficult to predict. A B- is more appropriate than treating Green Bay as having received little value. New Orleans earns a B+ because Clark delivered several productive seasons and a Pro Bowl peak, making the expensive rights trade worthwhile without turning it into a franchise-altering steal.