Minnesota acquired Mike Bundra and Larry Vargo from Detroit…
Minnesota acquired Mike Bundra and Larry Vargo from Detroit on September 5, 1964, for its 1965 seventh-round and 1966 sixth-round choices. Bundra lasted only four Vikings games, but Vargo played 27 games with 17 starts over two Minnesota seasons and supplied steady defensive-backfield value. The Vikings received the more tangible NFL return from the two-player package.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1965 seventh round pick (#92-Gregg Kent / Greg Kent)
- pick 1966 sixth round pick (#87-Wayne De Sutter)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Mike Bundra
- player Larry Vargo / Larry Varge
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Detroit moved two young players to Minnesota just before the 1964 season settled into its regular-season rhythm. The Vikings sent their 1965 seventh-round choice and 1966 sixth-round choice to the Lions for defensive lineman Mike Bundra and defensive back Larry Vargo. Minnesota's own draft history ties both surrendered picks to the Bundra-Vargo package, while Bundra's transaction history dates his move to September 5, 1964.
What Minnesota Received
Bundra provided only a short stay. He appeared in four games for Minnesota before being moved to Cleveland in October. Vargo, however, gave the Vikings a much more substantial return. He played 27 games across the 1964 and 1965 seasons and started 17 of them. His versatility in the secondary and at linebacker gave Minnesota a useful defensive piece rather than merely preseason depth. Vargo's two-season contribution supplied the bulk of the trade's value for the Vikings.
What Detroit Received
Detroit received two future draft choices: Minnesota's seventh-rounder in 1965 and sixth-rounder in 1966. The picks gave the Lions additional roster-building opportunities and made the deal a reasonable way to convert two players they were willing to move. Still, the clearest realized NFL contribution produced by the exchange came from Vargo's starting work in Minnesota, while Bundra at least gave the Vikings four additional games before another transaction.
Final Verdict
Minnesota Vikings Win. Minnesota earns a B because Vargo became a legitimate two-season contributor and frequent starter, with Bundra adding brief depth. Detroit gets a C because two draft choices provided useful flexibility, but the package did not produce an equally clear on-field return. Vargo's 27 games and 17 starts are enough to separate the sides without turning the deal into a landslide.