Minnesota traded Brad Johnson to Washington for the 11th and…
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 Vikings Received
- pick 1999 1st round pick (11th overall, Daunte Culpepper )
- pick 1999 3rd round pick (73rd overall subsequently traded, Joey Porter )
Washington Commanders Received
- player Brad Johnson
Trade Analysis
Why Minnesota Chose the Picks
Minnesota had Brad Johnson under contract but also had Randall Cunningham coming off a spectacular 1998 season. Washington was willing to pay a first-rounder and a third-rounder for Johnson, giving the Vikings the 11th and 73rd selections. That package gave Minnesota a chance to reset the quarterback timeline while maintaining a veteran option in the short term. The decision became far more valuable once the Vikings used No. 11 on Daunte Culpepper.
What Washington Got From Johnson
Johnson was not a failure in Washington. He started all 16 games in 1999, helped the team win the NFC East and provided competent veteran quarterback play. His broader career was even better: 177 games, 29,054 passing yards, two Pro Bowls and a later Super Bowl championship with Tampa Bay. Washington therefore received a legitimate starting quarterback rather than a short-lived rental, which keeps its grade respectable.
How Culpepper Changed the Equation
Culpepper became Minnesota’s starter in 2000 and immediately went 11-5 while throwing 33 touchdown passes. He ultimately made three Pro Bowls and finished with 24,153 career passing yards and 149 touchdowns. Minnesota also owned the 73rd pick, later using it as part of another draft-day move. The key point is that the Vikings converted one veteran quarterback into both a younger high-upside successor and additional draft leverage.
Final Verdict
Minnesota Vikings Win. Minnesota earns an A because the deal produced a franchise quarterback in Culpepper plus another valuable selection. Washington receives a B- because Johnson gave the team real winning football and a division title, but the price was substantial. Both sides gained something useful, yet Minnesota captured the more valuable long-term asset and controlled more draft capital after the exchange.