Minnesota sent offensive lineman Adam Goldberg to the Rams on…
Minnesota sent offensive lineman Adam Goldberg to the Rams on September 2, 2006, for a 2008 seventh-round pick that became No. 209 and was later traded before Green Bay selected Matt Flynn. Goldberg became a durable Rams lineman, appearing in 83 games with 48 starts from 2006 through 2011. That sustained lineup value gives Los Angeles the clear win.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Adam Goldberg
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2008 7th round pick (209th overall, Matt Flynn ; subsequently traded to Green Bay)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Minnesota traded offensive lineman Adam Goldberg to the Rams on September 2, 2006, receiving a seventh-round selection in the 2008 draft. Transaction records trace that choice to No. 209 overall. Minnesota later moved the selection before it was exercised, and Green Bay ultimately used No. 209 on quarterback Matt Flynn. The relevant Vikings return was therefore the transferable value of that late pick.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Goldberg became much more than a temporary depth addition for the Rams. From 2006 through 2011 he appeared in 83 regular-season games for the club and made 48 starts, lining up at multiple spots when injuries or lineup changes demanded it. That kind of six-year utility is especially valuable for an offensive lineman acquired at the cost of a future seventh-round choice.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Minnesota received legitimate draft capital, but it was the final round of a seven-round draft and did not turn directly into a long-term Vikings player. The club eventually used the selection in another transaction, so the pick retained some market value. Even granting that flexibility, the return never matched the volume of snaps and starts Goldberg supplied to the Rams over six seasons.
Value in Hindsight
Late-round picks are attractive because they preserve a chance at inexpensive young talent, but their expected hit rate is low. Los Angeles effectively exchanged one such chance for a lineman who became a recurring starter and dependable reserve. Minnesota did not make an unreasonable decision, yet the realized outcomes separate the teams by a comfortable margin.
Final Verdict
The Rams earn a B+ and Minnesota a C. Goldberg's 83 games and 48 starts are an excellent return for this acquisition price. Minnesota at least received and later moved a real draft selection, preventing the trade from becoming a total loss, but the Rams captured the lasting roster value that matters most in hindsight.