Minnesota acquired Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud from…
Minnesota acquired Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud from Green Bay on July 17, 1984 for a 1985 seventh-round pick. Stenerud immediately made 20 of 23 field-goal attempts in 1984 and handled the Vikings’ kicking job for two seasons. Green Bay used the seventh-round selection on Eric Wilson, who did not create comparable NFL value. Minnesota received the more useful realized return.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Jan Stenerud
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick 1985 seventh round pick (#171-Eric Wilson (Wendell))
Trade Analysis
Why Minnesota Wanted Stenerud
The Vikings acquired Jan Stenerud from Green Bay on July 17, 1984 for a 1985 seventh-round pick. Stenerud was 41, but he was still the NFL's career field-goal leader and wanted a situation where he had a clearer path to the kicking job. Minnesota's indoor Metrodome also offered favorable conditions for a veteran specialist.
What Stenerud Delivered
The move paid off immediately. Stenerud made 20 of 23 field-goal attempts in 1984, an 87 percent rate, while handling Minnesota's kicking duties throughout the season. He returned in 1985 and gave the Vikings another full year. That is strong short-term value for a seventh-round selection, especially at a position where reliability can directly swing close games.
What Green Bay Received
The Packers received Minnesota's 1985 seventh-round choice and used it on linebacker Eric Wilson. Green Bay's decision to recover a pick rather than guarantee Stenerud the job made sense as the club transitioned to younger options, but Wilson did not become a significant NFL contributor. The draft return therefore failed to match the production Stenerud still had left.
How the Value Settled
The Vikings did not acquire a long-term building block, but they did not pay for one either. They spent a late pick and received two seasons from one of the best kickers in league history. Green Bay gained flexibility and a draft choice but little realized player value from it.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns a B and Green Bay a C. Stenerud's excellent 1984 season and two years of service were more valuable than the seventh-round return produced for the Packers. This is a Minnesota Vikings Win.