Dallas sent the 70th and 81st selections to New Orleans to…
Dallas sent the 70th and 81st selections to New Orleans to move up to No. 53 for quarterback Quincy Carter. Carter started 31 games for the Cowboys, including all 16 in 2003, and finished his career with 6,337 passing yards. New Orleans selected linebacker Sedrick Hodge and defensive lineman Kenny Smith. Hodge became a 43-start contributor and Smith played 36 games, making the deal competitive but giving Dallas a slight positional-value edge.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2001 2nd round pick (53rd overall, Quincy Carter)
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2001 3rd round pick (70th overall, Sedrick Hodge)
- pick 2001 3rd round pick (81st overall, Kenny Smith )
Trade Analysis
Why Dallas Moved Up for a Quarterback
Dallas packaged the 70th and 81st picks to reach No. 53 for Quincy Carter, betting that a quarterback was worth consolidating two third-round choices. Carter became more than a short-term experiment. He started 31 games for the Cowboys and all 16 games in 2003, when Dallas returned to the postseason. His career totals reached 6,337 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, giving the move tangible value at the league’s most important position.
What New Orleans Built With Two Picks
The Saints used No. 70 on linebacker Sedrick Hodge and No. 81 on defensive lineman Kenny Smith. Hodge played 63 games and made 43 starts, providing several seasons of defensive snaps. Smith appeared in 36 games and recorded 4.5 sacks. New Orleans therefore received a respectable two-player return and avoided the common downside of trading away a higher pick for selections that never reach the field.
How Quarterback Value Tips a Close Trade
Carter’s Dallas career was uneven, and his 32 touchdown passes came with 37 interceptions over his full NFL career. That prevents the Cowboys from earning an elite grade. Still, a quarterback who starts 31 games for the acquiring team and handles a full playoff-season schedule carries significant value. Hodge was the Saints’ best return, while Smith added depth, but neither changed games from a position as valuable as starting quarterback.
Final Verdict
Dallas Cowboys Win, narrowly. Dallas earns a B for turning two third-rounders into multiple seasons of starting quarterback play. New Orleans receives a B- because Hodge and Smith combined for useful defensive service and made the trade-down worthwhile. The difference is small, but Carter’s sustained starting role gives Dallas the higher-value outcome.