Minnesota acquired veteran safety Bill Bradley from…
Minnesota acquired veteran safety Bill Bradley from Philadelphia for the 1978 seventh-round pick used on Greg Marshall. Bradley did not become a lasting Vikings contributor and finished 1977 with St. Louis, appearing in four games. Marshall, meanwhile, was drafted No. 186 by Philadelphia but played only two NFL games, both for Baltimore. Neither acquiring club realized meaningful direct value.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Bill Bradley
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1978 seventh round pick (#186-Greg Marshall)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Philadelphia traded veteran safety Bill Bradley to Minnesota in June 1977 for a seventh-round choice in the 1978 draft. Vikings draft history and Philadelphia's 1978 draft record connect that selection to No. 186 Greg Marshall.
What Minnesota Vikings Received
Bradley arrived with substantial experience from his Eagles career, but Minnesota did not receive a lasting regular-season contribution from him. NFL season records show Bradley finishing 1977 with St. Louis, where he appeared in four games with one start. His Vikings stop therefore did not become a meaningful on-field return.
What Philadelphia Eagles Received
Philadelphia used the acquired seventh-round pick on Marshall, a defensive tackle from Oregon State. Pro Football Reference credits Marshall with only two NFL games, both for Baltimore in 1978. The Eagles therefore did not receive direct regular-season production from the selected player either.
How the Value Developed
Both clubs made reasonable low-cost bets that failed to create lasting value. Minnesota sought immediate veteran help, while Philadelphia exchanged an older player for a future draft chance. Neither path produced a meaningful contribution for the acquiring team.
Why the Difference Matters
The lack of direct team production on both sides makes a winner difficult to justify. Philadelphia's pick was only a seventh-rounder, and Minnesota did not surrender premium capital, so the modest C grades fit the limited stakes and outcomes.
Final Verdict
Minnesota receives a C and Philadelphia receives a C. The final call is Even Trade because neither acquiring club converted its return into meaningful regular-season value.