Minnesota acquired veteran quarterback Kelly Holcomb from…
Minnesota acquired veteran quarterback Kelly Holcomb from Philadelphia for a 2009 sixth-round pick, correcting older records that described the compensation as a 2007 selection. Holcomb made three starts for the Vikings in 2007 but was only a short-term bridge. Philadelphia later included pick No. 195 in the package used to move up for Jeremy Maclin, preserving more downstream value.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Kelly Holcomb
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2009 6th round pick (195th overall, subsequently traded to Cleveland in the package for 19th overall, Jeremy Maclin; Cleveland selected James Davis)
Trade Analysis
Why Minnesota Added Holcomb
The Vikings entered the 2007 season with uncertainty behind young quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and acquired veteran Kelly Holcomb from Philadelphia in late August. The correct compensation was a 2009 sixth-round pick, not a 2007 selection. Minnesota was buying experience and short-term insurance rather than a long-term starter, while the Eagles converted a surplus quarterback into future draft capital.
What Holcomb Gave Minnesota
Holcomb was needed during the season and made three starts for the Vikings. His presence provided a veteran option when Jackson was unavailable, but the stint was brief and did not change Minnesota's quarterback trajectory. That makes the acquisition understandable as roster protection while also limiting how much credit the Vikings can receive for the return.
How Philadelphia Used the Pick
The sixth-rounder became No. 195 overall in the 2009 draft. Philadelphia did not simply make the selection. The Eagles packaged No. 195 with the 21st overall pick to Cleveland and moved up to No. 19, where they selected wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Cleveland later used No. 195 on James Davis. Because the sixth-rounder was only one piece of a larger move, Philadelphia should not receive full credit for Maclin, but the pick clearly retained useful trade value.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The corrected pick year changes how the deal should be understood. Philadelphia held the asset for two seasons and eventually used it as leverage in a first-round move. Minnesota received immediate depth but little lasting value. That is a more meaningful distinction than the older, inaccurate description suggested.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia Eagles Win. The Eagles earn a B for turning a reserve quarterback into a future asset that later helped facilitate a move for Maclin. Minnesota receives a C- because Holcomb supplied three starts and useful insurance, but only briefly. The Eagles' preserved draft value gives them the edge without overstating the sixth-rounder's role in the later trade.