New Orleans sent cornerback Reggie Jones to Cleveland in…
New Orleans sent cornerback Reggie Jones to Cleveland in October 1994 for a future fifth-round pick. The selection became No. 136 in 1996, which the Saints used on Michigan receiver Mercury Hayes. Hayes played 11 games for New Orleans across 1996 and 1997 and caught four passes for 101 yards. The return was small, but it produced more Saints value than Jones produced for Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Reggie Jones
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1996 5th round pick (136th overall, Mercury Hayes )
Trade Analysis
The Midseason Move
Cleveland acquired Reggie Jones from New Orleans on October 11, 1994 and sent the Saints a future fifth-round selection. Jones was an experienced defensive back, so the Browns were buying veteran depth for the second half of the season. The transaction never generated the expected payoff, because Jones' NFL record contains no regular-season game for Cleveland after the deal.
The Saints' Draft Return
New Orleans carried the future asset into the 1996 draft. The pick became No. 136 overall, and the Saints selected Michigan wide receiver Mercury Hayes. Hayes was not a long-term starter, but he did reach the field. He appeared in seven games as a rookie and four more for New Orleans in 1997. His 1996 line included four catches for 101 yards, including a 50-yard reception.
Realized Value Matters
This is a low-impact trade on both sides. Hayes' production was limited, and he did not become a core offensive player. Even so, New Orleans turned a departing defensive back into a draft choice that produced 11 Saints appearances and some explosive receiving yardage. Cleveland's acquired player did not provide a corresponding regular-season contribution.
The Cost Was Modest
A fifth-round pick is not premium capital, which prevents a harsh judgment of Cleveland. The Browns took a reasonable chance on veteran help. The Saints deserve the edge because they preserved future value and got at least a small amount of NFL production from the resulting selection.
Final Verdict
New Orleans Saints Win. New Orleans earns a C-plus for converting Jones into a useful fifth-round asset and modest player production. Cleveland earns a D because Jones did not provide recorded regular-season value after the trade. The Saints won through asset preservation rather than a major hit.
Hayes's limited Saints production still exceeded Jones's nonexistent Cleveland contribution overall.