New Orleans moved up for fullback Mike Karney at pick 156 in…
New Orleans moved up for fullback Mike Karney at pick 156 in 2004, sending Dallas picks 182 and 206. Karney became a five-year Saint and an important lead-blocking fullback, so New Orleans received solid value. Dallas then flipped both acquired picks in separate trades, eventually adding Nate Jones, Jacques Reeves, Darian Barnes and Patrick Crayton. Crayton became a productive long-term receiver, giving the Cowboys a narrow overall edge.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2004 6th round pick (182nd overall; traded to Oakland for picks 205 and 223, Nate Jones and Jacques Reeves)
- pick 2004 7th round pick (206th overall; traded to Tampa Bay for Darian Barnes and pick 216, Patrick Crayton)
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2004 5th round pick (156th overall, Mike Karney)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
New Orleans wanted Mike Karney, a physical Arizona State fullback, and chose to move from the sixth and seventh rounds into the fifth. Dallas owned pick No. 156 and accepted picks 182 and 206 in return. On the surface, it looked like a routine late-round consolidation trade: the Saints targeted one player, while the Cowboys preferred multiple opportunities.
What New Orleans Received
Karney justified the Saints’ interest. He spent five seasons in New Orleans, became a dependable lead-blocking fullback and contributed as a receiver and short-yardage option. Fullback is not a premium statistical position, but Karney filled a defined role for several seasons and became a recognizable part of the offense.
How Dallas Multiplied the Return
Dallas did not make either acquired pick. The Cowboys sent No. 182 to Oakland for picks 205 and 223, selecting Nate Jones and Jacques Reeves. They then sent No. 206 to Tampa Bay for fullback Darian Barnes and pick 216, which became Patrick Crayton. Crayton developed into a productive receiver and returner for Dallas, while Reeves and Jones also supplied defensive and special-teams snaps. That downstream chain produced considerably more roster volume than the original two choices suggest.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Both teams achieved their immediate goals, making this closer than a typical winner-loser result. New Orleans got the exact player it wanted and received years of service. Dallas, however, turned the return into multiple contributors, led by Crayton.
Final Verdict
Dallas Cowboys Win by a narrow margin. Dallas earns a B+ for multiplying two late picks into several contributors. New Orleans earns a B because Karney was a successful selection, but the aggregate Dallas return was stronger.