Miami traded Hall of Fame center Jim Langer to Minnesota on…
Miami traded Hall of Fame center Jim Langer to Minnesota on September 24, 1980 for 1981 and 1982 draft picks that became Fulton Walker and Bob Nelson. Walker developed into an excellent Dolphins return specialist and later scored a 98-yard kickoff-return touchdown in Super Bowl XVII. Nelson did not stick in Miami, but Walker's value gives the Dolphins a respectable return despite surrendering a legendary veteran.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1981 sixth round pick (#154-Fulton Walker)
- pick 1982 fifth round pick (#120-Bob Nelson)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Jim Langer
Trade Analysis
Why Minnesota Added Langer
The Vikings acquired center Jim Langer from Miami on September 24, 1980 for a 1981 sixth-round pick and a 1982 fifth-rounder. Langer was already a decorated veteran and future Hall of Famer, so Minnesota was buying immediate experience for an offensive line that still expected to compete.
What Minnesota Received
Langer appeared in 13 games for Minnesota during the remainder of 1980 and nine more in 1981. His Vikings tenure was short compared with his famous Dolphins career, but 22 games of veteran center play for two mid-to-late selections represented a useful acquisition. The grade reflects only what he did after the trade, not his earlier Miami accomplishments.
What Miami Received
The Dolphins used No. 154 in 1981 on Fulton Walker and No. 120 in 1982 on Bob Nelson. Nelson did not make a regular-season impact for Miami, but Walker became an important return specialist. He produced thousands of kickoff-return yards over his Dolphins career and famously returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl XVII.
Why Miami Still Grades Well
Walker prevents this from being a one-sided veteran giveaway. Miami turned part of the compensation into a player who contributed for several seasons and made a major postseason play. Minnesota nevertheless acquired an established high-level lineman for a reasonable price and got immediate use from him.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns an A- and Miami a B. Langer's post-trade Vikings career was not long, but the cost was modest and the role was valuable. Walker gave Miami a strong secondary return, keeping the Dolphins' grade solid while Minnesota retains the overall edge.