The 1990 Steve Walsh Trade: Dallas Turned a Backup Quarterback Into Dynasty Capital
New Orleans sent Dallas first-, third- and second-round picks for Steve Walsh. The third-rounder became Erik Williams, and the larger package gave the Cowboys more ammunition during their dynasty build.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1991 first round pick (#14-Leonard Russell)
- pick 1991 third round pick (#70-Erik Williams (George))
- pick 1992 second round pick (#52-Patrick Rowe)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Steve Walsh
Trade Summary
Dallas traded backup quarterback Steve Walsh to New Orleans for first-, third-, and second-round picks across two drafts. Walsh supplied some starting value for the Saints, but Dallas used the package to add Erik Williams and more roster-building capital. Williams became an All-Pro cornerstone of the offensive line that powered three Super Bowl champions.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Dallas traded quarterback Steve Walsh to New Orleans on September 25, 1990 for three draft selections: a first- and third-round pick in 1991 and a second-round pick in 1992. The Saints were searching for quarterback stability while Bobby Hebert was holding out. Dallas had already committed to Troy Aikman and was able to turn its backup into premium future capital.
Why New Orleans Paid So Much
Walsh had first-round supplemental-draft pedigree and a history with Jimmy Johnson, but he was blocked by Aikman in Dallas. The Saints were paying for the possibility that a young quarterback with starting experience could become their long-term answer. That is why the compensation looked more like a franchise-quarterback package than a normal backup trade.
What Dallas Did With the Return
The third-round selection became offensive tackle Erik Williams, who developed into one of the dominant linemen on Dallas' championship teams. The other picks provided additional flexibility as the Cowboys continued aggressively moving around the draft. Dallas was building a roster through volume, and this trade gave the front office more premium ammunition.
What Walsh Gave New Orleans
Walsh did start games and provided some useful short-term play, so the Saints did not receive nothing. He simply did not become valuable enough to justify three meaningful selections, especially when one of those picks produced a cornerstone offensive lineman for Dallas.
The Long-Term Legacy
The Cowboys famously accumulated draft assets during the early Jimmy Johnson era. This deal fit that model perfectly: move a surplus player, create future options, then turn at least one of those options into a championship-level starter.
Final Verdict
The Dallas Cowboys Win verdict is decisive. New Orleans bought temporary quarterback help at a premium price; Dallas converted a backup into foundational roster-building capital.