Minnesota acquired quarterback Brooks Bollinger from the Jets…
Minnesota acquired quarterback Brooks Bollinger from the Jets for defensive tackle C.J. Mosley and a 2008 seventh-round pick. Bollinger provided emergency quarterback depth but made only a limited impact during two Vikings seasons. New York received a young defensive lineman who contributed in its rotation plus an extra draft asset, giving the Jets a modest but clear advantage.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Brooks Bollinger
New York Jets Received
- player C.J. Mosley
- pick 2008 7th round pick (226th overall, later traded; Chaz Schilens selected)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Minnesota wanted a veteran quarterback who could operate Brad Childress's offense behind Brad Johnson and rookie Tarvaris Jackson. Brooks Bollinger had starting experience with the Jets and familiarity with Childress from their Wisconsin connection. New York had regained depth at quarterback and could move Bollinger for a young defensive lineman plus a future draft choice.
What the Returns Produced
Bollinger served as a reserve in Minnesota and saw spot duty when injuries or performance issues forced changes at quarterback. He never established himself as a long-term answer and left after the 2007 season. Mosley joined the Jets' defensive-line rotation and provided more regular defensive snaps than Bollinger supplied at quarterback, while the 2008 seventh-rounder gave New York another movable asset.
How the Value Developed
Backup quarterbacks have real insurance value, and Minnesota had a rational reason to pay for one. The problem is that the Vikings surrendered two assets for a player whose role stayed narrow. New York converted surplus quarterback depth into a young contributor and a draft chip, creating more total value even without landing a major starter.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This is a smaller trade, but it rewards the club that turned a redundant position into multiple pieces. Minnesota received the exact type of insurance it sought, so the deal was not disastrous. The Jets still come out ahead because Mosley and the extra selection together produced a broader return than Bollinger's limited Minnesota tenure.
Final Verdict
New York Jets Win is the best fit. Minnesota Vikings earns a C, while New York Jets earns a B-. Those grades reflect the cost paid, the direct production received, the length and quality of each contribution, and any important downstream value created from draft capital.