New Orleans acquired cornerback Bradley Roby from Houston in…
New Orleans acquired cornerback Bradley Roby from Houston in September 2021, sending the Texans a 2022 third-round pick and a 2023 sixth-rounder. Roby gave the Saints experienced secondary help, but the stay was relatively short. Houston recovered two future selections, including a day-two pick, for a veteran on a rebuilding roster. The amount and flexibility of that draft return give the Texans the edge.
Houston Texans Received
- pick 2022 3rd round pick (80th overall subsequently traded, Greg Dulcich )
- pick 2023 6th round pick (188th overall subsequently traded, Tanner McKee )
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Bradley Roby
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
New Orleans acquired veteran cornerback Bradley Roby from Houston just after the start of the 2021 season. The Texans received a 2022 third-round pick and a 2023 sixth-round pick. Houston was shifting toward a longer rebuild, while the Saints were trying to strengthen a competitive defense with an experienced cover player who could contribute immediately.
Why the Value Separated
Roby did provide useful snaps, which keeps New Orleans from receiving a poor grade. Veteran corners with starting experience are valuable in-season, and the Saints addressed a real need rather than spending draft capital on a speculative luxury. The limitation was duration: Roby was not a long-term centerpiece, so the return on a third-round-led package had a relatively short window.
How the Deal Aged
Houston gained the type of assets a rebuilding team wants. A third-round pick offers meaningful draft flexibility, and the additional sixth created another trade or selection opportunity. Both picks later moved through subsequent transactions, but their market value belonged to Houston because of the Roby deal. The Texans successfully exchanged short-term veteran value for multiple future building blocks.
Final Verdict
Houston earns a B for matching its roster timeline and recovering two selections, including a day-two asset. New Orleans receives a C+ because Roby helped the defense but did not stay long enough to equal the draft capital surrendered. The Saints' logic was understandable for a contender, yet the long-term balance of value sits with the Texans. Houston's return also carried value beyond any one eventual selection because those picks could be moved again as roster needs changed.