New Orleans Saints · Franchise era 2 of 7
The Dome Patrol: the New Orleans Saints story
Franchise era
1987—1999
The Dome Patrol
New Orleans Saints
The story in one sentence
Jim Mora's defense sent four linebackers to the Pro Bowl and ended the franchise's wait for winning seasons and playoff football.
Linebacker defense delivers the first winners
Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills and Pat Swilling gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the first playoff win and katrina.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1987
What came before
New Orleans produced beloved moments but no winning season in its first two decades, turning loyalty itself into the franchise's defining trait.
1991-01-06
Wild Card: New Orleans Saints vs Chicago Bears
1991-12-28
Wild Card: Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints
1993-01-03
Wild Card: Philadelphia Eagles vs New Orleans Saints
April 17, 1999
Mike Ditka's entire-draft wager on Ricky Williams
Mike Ditka treated one Heisman-winning runner as a complete draft class. Washington chose volume and immediately began moving the incoming choices again.
13All-in draft tradeApril 17, 1999NO⇄WASThe Ricky Williams trade-upNew Orleans sent every available 1999 selection plus 2000 first- and third-round picks to Washington to move from No. 12 to No. 5 for Ricky Williams.9 assets · 3 outcomes＋
The original receipt
New Orleans Saints received
- • 1999 first · No. 5
Washington received
- • 1999 first · No. 12
- • 1999 third · No. 71
- • 1999 fourth · No. 107
- • 1999 fifth · No. 144
- • 1999 sixth · No. 179
- • 1999 seventh · No. 218
- • 2000 first · No. 2
- • 2000 third · No. 64
Williams became a productive back but lasted three Saints seasons. Washington's trade tree helped produce Champ Bailey and LaVar Arrington, making the deal the enduring warning against overconcentrating draft capital.
Open full trade tree →After 1999
What came next
New Orleans won its first playoff game before Hurricane Katrina forced the team across multiple home fields and placed its future in doubt.
The core