Denver acquired Steve Ramsey from New Orleans for the future…
Denver acquired Steve Ramsey from New Orleans for the future fourth-round selection that ultimately became No. 83 Tim Kearney after later movement. Ramsey spent six seasons with the Broncos and developed into a multi-year starting quarterback. That sustained direct service gave Denver substantial value, while New Orleans did not retain a comparable payoff from the original draft consideration.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Steve Ramsey
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1972 fourth round pick (#83-Tim Kearney)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1971-05-07, Denver Broncos received Steve Ramsey, while New Orleans Saints received 1972 fourth round pick (#83-Tim Kearney). The exchange is judged by the football value each club actually realized from the assets it controlled after the transaction. Later movement of a draft choice is considered only when the cited record connects that movement to the original return.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver acquired Steve Ramsey from New Orleans for the future fourth-round selection that ultimately became No. 83 Tim Kearney after later movement. Ramsey spent six seasons with the Broncos and developed into a multi-year starting quarterback. That sustained direct service gave Denver substantial value, while New Orleans did not retain a comparable payoff from the original draft consideration.
New Orleans Saints Return
New Orleans sent Steve Ramsey to Denver and received a future fourth-round draft choice that ultimately became associated with No. 83 Tim Kearney after later movement. The Saints did not retain value from the original consideration comparable to Ramsey's six seasons and multiple starting years in Denver. In hindsight, New Orleans gave away the more productive asset.
Value in Hindsight
Ramsey's six seasons in Denver and multiple years as a starting quarterback provide a substantial direct return from a fourth-round price. New Orleans' draft consideration later became associated with No. 83 Tim Kearney after additional movement, but the Saints did not retain a comparable payoff from the original asset. Later movement should not be credited as though it occurred in isolation, yet it does not erase the basic comparison: Denver obtained years of quarterback service while New Orleans failed to preserve similar value. That supports a clear Broncos win.
Final Verdict
The final call is Denver Broncos Win. Denver Broncos earns B+, and New Orleans Saints earns C-. Those grades reflect the supported package, the documented post-trade production, and the relative football value each side ultimately realized from this exchange.