5 Worst Trades in New Orleans Saints History

Even though the New Orleans Saints have been one of the most successful franchises in football in the era of Drew Brees and Sean Payton, the team has an unfortunate history of making ill-advised trades that left them worse for the wear.

It may enrage fans from the Big Easy, but let's take a trip back in time to see some historically poor trades by New Orleans' front office.

5. Trading 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-Round Picks for Steve Walsh

Steve Walsh getting set to throw in a game vs. the Philladelphia Eagles / Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Even though Steve Walsh did lead a talented Saints team to a playoff appearance in 1990, he only started 18 games for the Saints overall. In that same season, he threw more interceptions than touchdowns, and threw for fewer than 2,000 yards in 12 games. He was benched the middle of 1991, and left for Chicago the next season. Giving three top-100 picks to get him from the Cowboys was just not pretty.

4. Only Getting a 5th-Rounder for Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles walking off the field in a game vs. the Seattle Seahawks. / Harry How/Getty Images

Darren Sproles was electric with his time in New Orleans, as Drew Brees loved to target the 5-6 running back in the flat. However, Sproles was the odd man out in New Orleans after the 2013 season. After departing, the diminutive do-it-all back would make three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams for the Eagles, ultimately winning a Super Bowl.

3. Swapping Akiem Hicks for Michael Hoomanawanui

Akiem Hicks looking on before a game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers / George Gojkovich/Getty Images

This 2015 Saints-Patriots trade had a pretty low profile, as Akiem Hicks struggled in his time with New Orleans and Michael Hoomanawanui was just a blocking tight end. However, as time passed, Hicks went on to become a Pro Bowler for the Bears, and a mainstay on their defensive line. Hoomanawanui, meanwhile, wasn't awful in New Orleans, as he helped do the dirty work and caught a few touchdowns, but Hicks is simply a more impactful player. New Orleans could have stuck with him just a bit longer.

2. Sending Hall of Famer Willie Roaf to the Chiefs for Practically Nothing

Willie Roaf showing off his shrine during the 2012 Hall of Fame Ceremony / Jason Miller/Getty Images

After nine star-studded years in New Orleans, where Willie Roaf was a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, the Saints traded the lineman because of his injury concerns in the previous 2001 season. The team completely misplayed the situation, as they traded Roaf to the Chiefs his lowest possible value, and only got a conditional draft pick in return. To add salt in the wound, Roaf ended up earning five more Pro Bowl nods and three more All-Pro seasons in Kansas City.

1. Giving Up 8 Draft Picks in Order to Snag Ricky Williams

Rickey Williams navigating defenders in a game vs. the Chicago Bears / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

In one of the most famous trades in NFL History, the Saints moved up seven spots to select Texas running back Rickey Williams. The problem? They traded a whopping EIGHT picks in order to have the chance to select the Longhorns star, including two first-rounders. Williams did have two 1,000-yard seasons with the Saints, but he was traded to Miami after three seasons and immediately led the NFL in rushing yards in his first year as a Dolphin. At least the Saints were able to get two first-rounders and four total picks for the enigmatic Williams.