The Jets acquired running back Chris Ivory from New Orleans…
The Jets acquired running back Chris Ivory from New Orleans for the 106th pick in the 2013 draft. Ivory became New York’s primary runner, surpassed 800 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons and broke 1,000 yards in 2015. The Saints combined pick No. 106 with No. 109 to move up for defensive tackle John Jenkins, so their return had value, but Ivory’s three productive Jets seasons were stronger.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2013 4th round pick (106th overall subsequently traded, Dion Sims)
New York Jets Received
- player Chris Ivory
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
New Orleans had a crowded backfield, while the Jets wanted a more physical runner after reshaping their offense. New York acquired Chris Ivory during the 2013 draft for the fourth-round pick at No. 106. The Saints immediately treated that choice as trade capital rather than simply making the selection.
What Each Side Received
Ivory became a major part of the Jets’ offense. He rushed for 833 yards in 2013, 821 in 2014 and a career-high 1,070 in 2015, when he also scored seven rushing touchdowns and earned Pro Bowl recognition. New Orleans received No. 106, the selection that ultimately became Dion Sims after another trade.
How the Return Aged
The Saints packaged No. 106 with their own No. 109 and moved up to No. 82 in a deal with Miami. New Orleans used No. 82 on defensive tackle John Jenkins, who played four seasons for the Saints and started 22 games. That downstream conversion matters: the Saints did create useful roster value from the pick received for Ivory.
Why the Margin Matters
Even after crediting New Orleans for Jenkins, the Jets obtained the more impactful player. Ivory gave New York three seasons as a primary runner, with his 2015 peak far exceeding typical fourth-round expectations. The Saints received a solid interior contributor, but not enough to match Ivory’s offensive role and production.
Final Verdict
New York Jets Win. The Jets earn an A- for acquiring a productive featured back at a fourth-round cost. New Orleans receives a C+ because the acquired selection helped produce Jenkins, a useful defender, but the total team value remained below Ivory’s three-year Jets run.