New Orleans traded its 2011 second-round pick and 2012…
New Orleans traded its 2011 second-round pick and 2012 first-round pick to New England for No. 28, using it on running back Mark Ingram. Ingram became the Saints' all-time rushing leader and a three-time Pro Bowler. New England got productive back Shane Vereen and later used the future first as part of the move up for pass rusher Chandler Jones. Both teams created substantial value, making this a rare trade that aged well for each side.
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2011 2nd round pick (56th overall, Shane Vereen)
- pick 2012 1st round pick (27th overall subsequently traded, Kevin Zeitler )
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2011 1st round pick (28th overall, Mark Ingram )
Trade Analysis
New Orleans had already selected Cameron Jordan in the first round of the 2011 draft when the Saints decided to jump back into the round for Alabama running back Mark Ingram. To acquire pick No. 28 from New England, New Orleans sent the Patriots its second-round choice, No. 56, and its 2012 first-round selection. The price was substantial, especially because it included a future first.
Ingram took time to become a featured runner, but his career in New Orleans ultimately justified much of the investment. He developed into a three-time Pro Bowler, produced multiple 1,000-yard seasons and became the franchise's career rushing leader. His physical style also complemented the Drew Brees passing game through several playoff runs. The Saints received far more than a short-term role player from the move.
New England also converted its return effectively. The Patriots used No. 56 on Shane Vereen, who became a valuable receiving back and delivered 11 catches in the Super Bowl XLIX victory over Seattle. The 2012 first-round pick landed at No. 27. New England later packaged that choice with another selection to move up to No. 21 for Chandler Jones, who became an elite pass rusher and a foundational defender during his Patriots tenure.
Jones should not be credited entirely to the Saints' pick because New England had to add another selection to complete the later move. Even with that distinction, the future first provided essential leverage, and Vereen supplied direct championship value.
This is therefore a case where the usual winner-loser framing does not fit well. New Orleans paid a premium but received one of the best running backs in franchise history. New England accepted delayed value and turned it into a useful back plus major capital toward a star defender. Both organizations achieved the strategic goal behind the trade, supporting equal strong grades.