New Orleans moved up to pick No. 103 in the 2023 draft and…
New Orleans moved up to pick No. 103 in the 2023 draft and selected guard Nick Saldiveri, sending Chicago picks No. 115 and No. 165. The Bears turned those selections into running back Roschon Johnson and cornerback Terell Smith. Both Chicago players supplied more sustained regular-season value than Saldiveri through the first three seasons, giving the Bears the stronger two-player return.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 2023 4th round pick (115th overall, Roschon Johnson)
- pick 2023 5th round pick (165th overall, Terell Smith )
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2023 4th round pick (103rd overall, Nick Saldiveri)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
During the fourth round of the 2023 draft, New Orleans climbed from No. 115 to No. 103 and also sent Chicago the 165th pick. The Saints selected offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri. Chicago used No. 115 on running back Roschon Johnson and No. 165 on cornerback Terell Smith. The structure was straightforward: New Orleans concentrated two chances into one preferred prospect, while Chicago accepted the move down and doubled its opportunities.
Why Chicago Came Out Ahead
Johnson became a regular part of the Bears' backfield rotation and scored eight rushing touchdowns through the 2025 season. Smith also supplied useful defensive depth and starting experience. Neither player needs to become a star for the trade to work; Chicago's advantage comes from getting two legitimate NFL contributors from a pair of mid-Day 3 selections.
How New Orleans Fared
Saldiveri reached the field but did not establish the same volume of value. His first seasons included limited availability and relatively few starts, reducing the payoff from the Saints' decision to spend an extra fifth-round pick to move up. The process was defensible because teams often move for an offensive lineman they specifically like, but the results have not justified the premium.
Final Verdict
Chicago earns a B and New Orleans a C. The Bears converted the trade-down into two players who provided more cumulative regular-season contribution, while the Saints received a more limited return from Saldiveri. That makes this a Chicago Bears Win, even though the original cost was not large enough to make it a severe loss for New Orleans.