San Francisco traded running back Gary Lewis to New Orleans…
San Francisco traded running back Gary Lewis to New Orleans on September 21, 1970 for the Saints' 1971 tenth-round pick, No. 236. The 49ers used the selection on Wisconsin-Oshkosh running back Ron Cardo, who did not record an NFL regular-season appearance.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Gary Lewis
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1971 tenth-round pick (No. 236; Ron Cardo)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Francisco's official trade history resolves the legacy uncertainty directly: the 49ers traded Gary Lewis to New Orleans in 1970 for a tenth-round pick in the 1971 draft and selected Ron Cardo. The 49ers 2022 draft packet independently lists No. 236 Ron Cardo as a choice from New Orleans, while Pro Football Archives identifies the same pick as coming from the Saints.
New Orleans' Return
Lewis had been a productive 49ers back earlier in his career, but by 1970 his role had declined sharply. NFL and Pro Football Reference records show him appearing in one game for New Orleans, with no rushing or receiving attempts and one kickoff return for 19 yards. That was his final NFL season.
San Francisco's Return
The 49ers used No. 236 on Ron Cardo of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Pro Football Reference and Pro Football Archives list Cardo as the selection but record no NFL regular-season career. San Francisco therefore converted the pick into a player who never appeared in an NFL game.
Final Verdict
New Orleans Saints Win, narrowly. The Saints earn a C because Lewis at least reached the field and provided one game of special-teams value, while San Francisco earns a D+ because Cardo never recorded a regular-season appearance. The football value on both sides was minimal, so the margin is small rather than a major organizational win.