Denver Broncos–Minnesota Vikings Trade History

Minnesota acquired receiver Al Denson from Denver for defensive back John Charles and a 1972 fourth-round pick that became No. 102 and linebacker Tom Graham. Denson's Vikings stay was brief, while Graham developed into a multi-season Denver starter after arriving through the exchanged pick. With Charles also included in the package, the Broncos turned one veteran into substantially more lasting value and win the deal.

Denver acquired wide receiver Gene Washington from Minnesota for Rod Sherman and the 1974 fifth-round pick used on Jim Ferguson. Washington played all 14 games for Denver in 1973 and scored three receiving touchdowns. Sherman did not play a regular-season game for Minnesota, and Ferguson never appeared in the NFL, giving the Broncos the better direct return.

Minnesota acquired lineman Jerry Baker from Denver on July 3, 1984 for a future draft choice whose round and year remain unidentified. Baker had appeared in five games without a start for Denver in 1983 and did not record a regular-season appearance for Minnesota. The Vikings therefore received no realized regular-season production from the player they acquired.

Minnesota traded the No. 45 pick in the 1988 draft to Denver for picks No. 54, No. 108 and No. 164. The Vikings selected Brad Edwards, Todd Kalis and Derrick White, with Kalis developing into a long-term Minnesota offensive lineman. Denver used No. 45 on tackle Gerald Perry, who also became a contributor, but Minnesota's three-player return created the broader franchise value.

Minnesota sent Hall of Fame left tackle Gary Zimmerman to Denver in 1993 and received Vance Johnson plus Denver's 1994 first- and sixth-round selections and a 1995 second-rounder. DeWayne Washington and Orlando Thomas became long-term Vikings defensive backs, while Andrew Jordan also came from the package. Zimmerman nevertheless became a championship cornerstone for Denver during the club's rise to consecutive Super Bowl titles.

Minnesota moved up ten spots in the fourth round of the 1995 draft for quarterback Chad May, sending Denver picks 121 and 196. May never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Denver used No. 196 on Terrell Davis, who became a league MVP, Super Bowl MVP, two-time champion and Hall of Fame running back. The Broncos also received the 121st pick. Few draft trades have produced a wider gap between the player targeted and the player surrendered.

Minnesota sent pick No. 121 to Denver for selections Nos. 176 and 233 plus a 2008 third-round choice that became No. 73. The Vikings' two 2007 selections produced little direct value, but the future third later became part of the package used to acquire Jared Allen. Denver used No. 121 on Marcus Thomas, who played five seasons and started 34 games for the Broncos.

Minnesota acquired quarterback Trevor Siemian and the 225th pick in the 2018 draft from Denver for a 2019 fifth-round selection. Siemian served as Kirk Cousins' backup for one season and did not make a regular-season start for the Vikings. Denver eventually used the fifth-round return on linebacker Justin Hollins, who appeared in 15 games as a rookie. The Broncos gained the slightly cleaner direct return.

Denver acquired Stephen Weatherly and Minnesota's 2023 seventh-round pick for a 2022 seventh-rounder. Weatherly supplied immediate rotational snaps for an injury-hit defense, and the Broncos also replaced much of the draft capital they spent by taking back a later seventh. With both picks eventually moving again, Weatherly's actual games in Denver provide the clearest realized value and give the Broncos the stronger return.