New Orleans received cornerback Earthwind Moreland and a 2002…
New Orleans received cornerback Earthwind Moreland and a 2002 sixth-round pick that became tight end John Gilmore, sending running back and return specialist Chad Morton to the Jets. Moreland was released before the regular season and Gilmore never played for New Orleans, while Morton became a major return weapon for New York in 2002.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Earthwind Moreland
- pick 2002 6th round pick (196th overall, John Gilmore )
New York Jets Received
- player Chad Morton
Trade Analysis
The Deal
On August 23, 2001, New Orleans sent Chad Morton to the New York Jets for defensive back Earthwind Moreland and a 2002 sixth-round pick. The pick became No. 196 overall, tight end John Gilmore. NFL transaction records and both clubs' trade histories agree on the date and package.
New Orleans' Return
Moreland never supplied the Saints with regular-season value from the exchange. New Orleans released him on September 2, little more than a week after the trade. The sixth-round choice did become Gilmore, but his NFL career began with Chicago rather than New Orleans. Gilmore ultimately played 145 NFL games, yet that longevity did not become Saints value because the club did not retain him.
New York's Return
Morton gave the Jets two seasons of return work. His first year was limited to nine games, but 2002 changed the evaluation: he returned 58 kickoffs for 1,509 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 26.0 yards per return. Across his Jets tenure, he produced 1,756 kickoff-return yards and two scores while also handling punts and reserve backfield duties.
Value Over Time
The price was modest, and New York converted it into a player who materially improved its return game. New Orleans received a player it quickly released and a draft choice that did not produce on-field value for the Saints. Gilmore's later career elsewhere does not change that franchise-specific outcome.
Final Verdict
The Jets earn a B+ for extracting two useful seasons and a standout 2002 return campaign from a low-cost package. New Orleans receives a C- because neither Moreland nor the sixth-round selection generated meaningful Saints production.
Chad Morton became a major Jets return specialist and produced two kickoff-return touchdowns in 2002, while New Orleans received no comparable contribution from Earthwind Moreland or the sixth-round asset tied to John Gilmore.