New York moved from No. 13 to No. 12 in the 1994 first round…
New York moved from No. 13 to No. 12 in the 1994 first round and sent New Orleans the 143rd selection to secure cornerback Aaron Glenn. Glenn became a long-term starter and three-time Pro Bowler over his career, giving the Jets premium value from the targeted move. New Orleans still landed an excellent defender one pick later, keeping the transaction close.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1994 1st round pick (13th overall, Joe Johnson )
- pick 1994 5th round pick (143rd overall, Craig Novitsky )
New York Jets Received
- pick 1994 1st round pick (12th overall, Aaron Glenn )
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
New York wanted to secure cornerback Aaron Glenn in the 1994 first round and moved from No. 13 to No. 12 to do it. New Orleans accepted the one-slot drop and added No. 143, preserving a top-15 selection while gaining another pick. The deal was a classic targeted move-up against a small trade-down, and its historical interest comes from the fact that both teams selected players who became important parts of their defenses.
What Each Team Received
The Jets used No. 12 on Glenn, who became a long-term starter and an elite ball-producing corner over a 205-game NFL career with 41 interceptions and three Pro Bowls. New Orleans selected Joe Johnson at No. 13. Johnson developed into a two-time Pro Bowler and finished his career with 52.5 sacks, giving the Saints substantial pass-rush value. The additional fifth-round choice became Craig Novitsky, adding depth to an already strong return.
How the Value Developed
There is no basis for treating the Saints' side as a poor outcome. Johnson was a premium defender in his own right, and New Orleans gained an extra selection by moving only one spot. New York still gets the slight advantage because Glenn's Jets tenure combined longevity, coverage production and a longer run as a foundational player for the acquiring club. The difference is small enough that both grades belong well above average.
Final Verdict
New York Jets Win. The Jets earn an A- for identifying Glenn and securing a player who became a franchise-level defensive back. New Orleans earns a B+ because Johnson became an excellent pass rusher and the Saints added another pick without moving far. This is a trade where the verdict identifies the better return, not a losing strategy; both front offices extracted substantial football value.
Glenn's longer Jets tenure creates the narrow separation.