New Orleans acquired safety Tebucky Jones from New England in…
New Orleans acquired safety Tebucky Jones from New England in April 2003 for third- and seventh-round picks that year plus a 2004 fourth-rounder. The Patriots expanded an already deep draft portfolio and ultimately tied the returned choices to Wade Smith, Tully Banta-Cain and Dexter Reid. Jones became a Saints starter, but New England's three-pick return created more roster flexibility and depth, giving the Patriots a narrow win.
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2003 3rd round pick (78th overall subsequently traded, Wade Smith ), 2003 7th round pick (239th overall, Tully Banta-Cain ) and 2004 4th round pick (113th overall, Dexter Reid)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Tebucky Jones
Trade Analysis
Why New Orleans Wanted Jones
The Saints were looking for a proven safety and paid a meaningful package for Tebucky Jones: a third-round pick, a seventh-round pick and a 2004 fourth-rounder. Jones had started extensively in New England and brought Super Bowl experience, so New Orleans was buying an established defender rather than an untested projection.
What New England Gained
The Patriots received three selections and immediately increased an already large 2003 draft inventory. The third-round slot was No. 78, the seventh-rounder was No. 239, and the future fourth became No. 113 in 2004. Those choices were connected to Wade Smith, Tully Banta-Cain and Dexter Reid through the draft process. Banta-Cain, in particular, became a useful Patriots linebacker across multiple seasons.
How the Value Spread Favored New England
Jones gave New Orleans starting snaps and legitimate NFL experience, so this was not a failed acquisition. The issue is cost. Three draft picks gave New England several low-cost opportunities while the Saints concentrated their return in one veteran defensive back. New England was comfortable moving Jones because it could reallocate both roster space and future capital, and the quantity of assets reduced the risk of any one selection missing.
Final Verdict
New England Patriots Win. New Orleans earns a C because Jones filled the role the club sought and was a real starter. New England earns a C-plus because three picks created more flexibility and produced useful depth, especially through Banta-Cain. The difference remains modest because none of the acquired selections became a superstar, but the Patriots' broader return wins the comparison.