Minnesota agreed to send tackle Steve Riley to New Orleans on…
Minnesota agreed to send tackle Steve Riley to New Orleans on April 18, 1980 for third- and fifth-round picks used on Brent Boyd and Paul Jones. Riley later failed the Saints' physical, and the transaction was unwound with Minnesota sending 1981 third- and fifth-round selections to New Orleans while retaining Riley. Boyd became a useful Vikings lineman, and Riley continued starting in Minnesota, giving the Vikings the stronger overall chain.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 1980 third round pick (#68-Brent Boyd)
- pick 1980 fifth round pick (#122-Paul Jones)
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Steve Riley
Trade Analysis
Why the Original Deal Happened
New Orleans agreed on April 18, 1980 to acquire veteran tackle Steve Riley from Minnesota for the No. 68 and No. 122 selections in that year's draft. The Vikings used those choices on offensive lineman Brent Boyd and Paul Jones. On its face, the Saints were paying two mid-round picks for an established tackle.
What Changed After the Trade
Riley failed the Saints' physical and the transaction was later voided. He never played a regular-season game for New Orleans. Minnesota retained Riley, who started all 16 games for the Vikings in 1980 and again in 1981. That fact is essential: the Saints did not receive the on-field Riley career implied by the original April agreement.
How the Clubs Unwound It
Because Minnesota had already exercised the 1980 selections, the later settlement used future compensation. The Vikings sent New Orleans 1981 third- and fifth-round picks, Nos. 71 and 128. The Saints used No. 71 on tight end Hoby Brenner, who became a productive long-term player for the franchise.
What Minnesota Kept
Minnesota retained Riley and also got useful service from Brent Boyd, who played six NFL seasons and appeared in 59 games, 27 as a starter. Paul Jones did not add comparable production. The Vikings therefore emerged with both their veteran tackle and one useful drafted lineman, although the later compensation reduced the gain.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns a B+ and New Orleans a B. The Saints recovered meaningful value through the unwind, especially the Brenner selection, but Minnesota retained Riley and added Boyd. Considering the full sequence rather than pretending Riley played for New Orleans gives the Vikings a narrow win.