Denver acquired kicker Wil Lutz from New Orleans for a 2024…

The Exchange

Denver acquired veteran kicker Wil Lutz from New Orleans at the end of the 2023 preseason. The Saints received Denver's 2024 seventh-round pick, which became No. 239 and was used on offensive lineman Josiah Ezirim.

Denver Broncos Return

Denver acquired kicker Wil Lutz from New Orleans for a 2024 seventh-round pick that became No. 239, Josiah Ezirim. Lutz immediately stabilized the Broncos' kicking job and gave Denver dependable veteran production for a minimal draft cost. New Orleans recovered a late selection after moving on to Blake Grupe, but the pick carried far less realized value than the proven specialist Denver received.

New Orleans Saints Return

New Orleans traded longtime kicker Wil Lutz to Denver and received a 2024 seventh-round choice, later No. 239 and used on Josiah Ezirim. The Saints had already chosen a different kicking direction, so recovering a pick made sense. Denver, however, obtained an established NFL kicker for very little capital and received immediate special-teams value, making the Broncos the stronger side in hindsight.

Value in Hindsight

This trade worked strategically for both clubs, yet Denver received the stronger realized return. New Orleans cleared the path for its preferred kicker and added a pick. Denver paid almost the minimum possible price for a proven NFL player at a position where reliability directly affects close games. The gap is not enormous because the Saints were moving on anyway, but the Broncos bought certainty cheaply.

Final Verdict

Denver earns a B+ and New Orleans a C. The Saints made a reasonable roster decision, but the seventh-round return did not match the immediate utility Lutz provided. Denver's low acquisition cost and direct special-teams benefit make the Broncos the winner.