St. Louis acquired veteran King Hill from Minnesota for cash…
St. Louis acquired veteran King Hill from Minnesota for cash on September 10, 1969. Hill was not needed as a starting quarterback, but he appeared in all 14 Cardinals games and became the club’s primary punter, recording 73 punts for 2,746 yards and a 37.6-yard average. For a cash-only acquisition, that immediate special-teams role supplied useful value and gives the Cardinals a modest edge.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player King Hill
Minnesota Vikings Received
- other cash
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Minnesota traded veteran quarterback and punter King Hill to St. Louis on September 10, 1969 for cash. Hill had joined the Vikings during the previous season after a long run with Philadelphia. The Cardinals did not acquire him to displace their primary quarterbacks. Instead, his most important 1969 role became special teams, giving St. Louis a veteran punter for the entire schedule.
What St Louis Got
Hill appeared in all 14 games for the Cardinals. His passing role was almost nonexistent, just one completed pass for seven yards, but his punting work was substantial. NFL statistics credit him with 73 punts for 2,746 yards, a 37.6-yard average, and a long of 57 yards. The Cardinals therefore received a full season of specialized production from a player acquired for cash, which is meaningful even though Hill did not become an offensive centerpiece.
What Minnesota Got
The Vikings received cash rather than a draft selection or another player. That return has no direct football production to compare with Hill's 1969 work. Minnesota was also moving a veteran who was not central to its offense, so the transaction did not create a major competitive loss for a team that was already deep enough to reach the Super Bowl. The financial return makes the move understandable, but it cannot match a season of documented punting value in an outcome-based grade.
Final Verdict
St. Louis earns a modest win. Hill immediately filled the punting job for a full season, while Minnesota's return was cash and the departure did not involve a core player. A C+ for the Cardinals reflects useful but limited value from a low-stakes acquisition. A C for Minnesota recognizes a reasonable roster decision without crediting an unmeasurable cash payment as equivalent to Hill's on-field contribution.