NFL Trade Verdict

Los Angeles Rams Win

Minnesota traded away Hall of Fame OT Ron Yary (the 1968 #1 overall pick from the Tarkenton return) to the Rams for a 1983 10th-round pick (#255-Melvin Brown, who never appeared in an NFL game). Yary was 36 and at career's end, but the return — essentially nothing — underscores how completely the franchise failed to extract value.

August 22, 1982 Minnesota VikingsLos Angeles Rams Confidence: high Tier: major

Minnesota Vikings Received

  • pick 1983 tenth round pick (#255-Melvin Brown)

Trade Summary

Minnesota traded away Hall of Fame OT Ron Yary (the 1968 #1 overall pick from the Tarkenton return) to the Rams for a 1983 10th-round pick (#255-Melvin Brown, who never appeared in an NFL game). Yary was 36 and at career's end, but the return — essentially nothing — underscores how completely the franchise failed to extract value.

Trade Analysis

Minnesota traded away Hall of Fame OT Ron Yary (the 1968 #1 overall pick from the Tarkenton return) to the Rams for a 1983 10th-round pick (#255-Melvin Brown, who never appeared in an NFL game). Yary was 36 and at career's end, but the return — essentially nothing — underscores how completely the franchise failed to extract value. Rams received Yary for essentially a throwaway pick. Even at 36, Yary's presence and leadership had value beyond the 10th round.