Washington acquired offensive lineman Bill Briggs from…
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 Vikings Received
- pick 1967 8th round pick (197th overall, John Beasley)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Bill Briggs
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington acquired Bill Briggs from Minnesota in late August 1966 for a draft choice. Washington's 1969 media guide identifies the transaction as a trade for a selection, while Minnesota's own draft history shows that its 1967 eighth-round pick No. 197 came from Washington. The Vikings used that choice on California tight end John Beasley, allowing the return to be identified without relying on a tentative pick label.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Beasley turned a very late selection into a durable Minnesota career. He played for the Vikings from 1967 through 1973, appeared in 75 games for the club, and started 48. That is excellent longevity for the 197th overall pick and gave Minnesota a regular contributor during one of the franchise's strongest eras. The trade therefore became far more than a simple disposal of veteran depth; the acquired choice produced a player who remained on the roster for seven seasons.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington received Briggs, an experienced lineman who supplied immediate veteran depth. The move was understandable for a club looking to reinforce its roster before the 1966 season, but his Washington contribution did not match the length or impact of Beasley's Minnesota tenure. Because the return sent to the Vikings became a known selection and a productive player, Washington's side can be compared directly rather than treated as an unidentified future choice.
Value in Hindsight
The late round matters when grading the deal. Minnesota did not receive premium capital, yet it converted the 197th pick into 75 games and 48 starts. That level of return from an eighth-rounder is unusually strong. Washington did obtain the player it wanted, so the deal was not empty from its perspective, but the Vikings found the more durable asset and enjoyed it across multiple seasons.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns the win, B to C+. Beasley's seven-season Vikings run and 48 starts are a strong payoff for an eighth-round selection. Washington received immediate veteran help in Briggs, but Minnesota's long-term return was substantially better and is now tied to a specific, supportable draft choice.