Minnesota Vikings–Washington Commanders Trade History

Minnesota acquired Jerry Reichow from Washington in September 1961 for draft-choice compensation, later identified in Vikings historical material as a seventh-round choice. Reichow immediately became one of the expansion club's best offensive players, catching 50 passes for 859 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1961 and remaining with Minnesota through 1964. That production makes the Vikings the clear winner.

Washington acquired offensive lineman Bill Briggs from Minnesota on August 31, 1966, sending the Vikings the draft choice that became 1967 eighth-round pick No. 197. Minnesota used it on tight end John Beasley, who played 75 games and started 48 for the Vikings. That multi-year contribution gives Minnesota the better return.

Minnesota acquired the rights to Bob Breitenstein from Washington in 1967 and sent back a 1968 fifth-round pick, No. 117. Breitenstein played 11 games with six starts for the Vikings, but Washington used the pick on Mike Bragg, who became the franchise's long-term punter. Bragg's 12 seasons in Washington and 172 games make this a clear Washington win.

Minnesota acquired safety Paul Krause from Washington for Marlin McKeever and a seventh-round pick, one of the defining trades in Vikings history. Krause played 12 seasons in Minnesota, started on all four Vikings Super Bowl teams and retired as the NFL's career interceptions leader with 81, a record he still holds. Washington received legitimate assets, but nothing close to the Hall of Fame value Minnesota captured.

Minnesota acquired defensive end George Hinkle and wide receiver Joe Johnson from Washington for a conditional 1993 sixth-round pick. The condition did not elevate the selection, and Washington used No. 160 on tight end Frank Wycheck. Johnson contributed 21 catches for 211 yards in 1992, while Hinkle offered short-term depth. Wycheck's greatest years came after Washington, but becoming a long NFL starter gives the pick the stronger hindsight value.

Washington acquired Rich Gannon from Minnesota in August 1993 for conditional draft compensation that ultimately included the 1994 fifth-round pick used on Shelly Hammonds. Gannon started only four games for Washington and missed the following season with a shoulder injury. Minnesota's pick produced little, so Washington still won the immediate exchange, although Gannon's later MVP years came elsewhere and should not inflate this return.

Minnesota traded Brad Johnson to Washington for the 11th and 73rd picks in the 1999 draft. The Vikings used No. 11 on Daunte Culpepper, who became a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and threw for more than 24,000 career yards. Washington received a capable veteran who helped the 1999 team reach the playoffs, but Minnesota landed a younger franchise quarterback plus another premium asset.

Minnesota moved up eight spots in the fourth round of the 2005 draft, sending Washington picks No. 120 and No. 154 for No. 112. The Vikings selected running back Ciatrick Fason; Washington chose Manuel White and Robert McCune. Fason scored five rushing touchdowns, but none of the three developed into a substantial long-term starter.

Minnesota traded defensive end Erasmus James to Washington on May 27, 2008, for a conditional 2009 seventh-round pick that became No. 221. The Vikings later used that selection as part of the move up for Jasper Brinkley, while James appeared in only five games for Washington before being released. Minnesota's recovered draft value clearly exceeded Washington's brief return.

Minnesota moved up eight spots in the fifth round for linebacker Jasper Brinkley, sending Washington picks 158 and 221. Brinkley became a useful Vikings defender and eventual starting middle linebacker, appearing across six seasons in Minnesota. Washington selected Cody Glenn and Eddie Williams with the return, but neither produced comparable NFL value, leaving the Vikings with the clear advantage from a modest draft-day move.

Minnesota acquired Donovan McNabb from Washington in 2011 for a 2012 sixth-round pick and a conditional 2013 sixth that was not ultimately conveyed. McNabb started only six games before rookie Christian Ponder replaced him, and Minnesota released him during the season. Washington used the conveyed pick on Alfred Morris, who rushed for 1,613 yards as a rookie and became a multi-year starter. The Commanders received vastly more value.

Minnesota moved down two spots late in the 2017 sixth round and also changed seventh-round positions, landing Bucky Hodges at No. 201 and Ifeadi Odenigbo at No. 220. Washington used No. 199 on center Chase Roullier and No. 230 on Josh Harvey-Clemons. Roullier’s long run as a starting center gives Washington the stronger return.