Minnesota reacquired veteran lineman Everett Lindsay from…
Minnesota reacquired veteran lineman Everett Lindsay from Cleveland on August 15, 2001, sending the Browns a 2002 fifth-round pick that became linebacker Andra Davis at No. 141. Lindsay gave the Vikings 44 games and 13 starts over three seasons. Davis became a seven-year Cleveland contributor and longtime starter, giving the Browns substantially more durable value from the exchange.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 2002 5th round pick (141st overall, Andra Davis)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Everett Lindsay
Trade Analysis
The Documented Exchange
The August 15, 2001 trade sent veteran offensive lineman Everett Lindsay from Cleveland to Minnesota. In return, the Browns received the Vikings’ 2002 fifth-round selection, which became the 141st overall pick. Cleveland used that choice on Florida linebacker Andra Davis. Minnesota’s and Cleveland’s transaction histories agree on the terms, and Lindsay’s return to the Vikings is also reflected in his 2001 season record.
What Minnesota Received
Lindsay gave Minnesota practical short-term value. He appeared in all 16 games in both 2001 and 2002 and played 12 more in 2003, totaling 44 games after the trade. He started eight games in 2001 and five in 2002, giving the Vikings an experienced, versatile lineman who could stabilize multiple spots. For a fifth-round pick, 13 starts plus three seasons of depth is a defensible return, so Minnesota’s side merits a solid rather than failing grade.
What Cleveland Received
Davis became much more than a typical fifth-round selection. He played seven seasons for Cleveland from 2002 through 2008, appearing in 105 games and starting 83. He became a full-time starter in 2003 and posted several high-volume tackling seasons, including 149 combined tackles in 2005 by the league’s stat record. He also produced nine interceptions and 8.5 sacks during his Browns tenure. That length of service and starting responsibility greatly exceeded the normal expectation attached to the acquired pick.
Final Verdict
Minnesota got exactly the kind of veteran depth it sought, and Lindsay’s 44-game second stint gives the Vikings a respectable B-. Cleveland nevertheless converted one future fifth-rounder into a multi-year starting linebacker who remained a core defensive contributor through 2008. The Browns’ return was both longer and more impactful, making Cleveland the clear winner and supporting an A- grade.