Minnesota acquired punter Mike Eischeid from Kansas City on…
Minnesota acquired punter Mike Eischeid from Kansas City on May 25, 1972 for a 1973 fourth-round choice. Eischeid handled the Vikings’ punting for three full seasons, including their 1973 and 1974 playoff runs. Kansas City used pick No. 89 on John Lohmeyer, who played five Chiefs seasons and served three years as a special-teams captain. Both teams received durable, useful value, supporting an even result.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- pick 1973 fourth round pick (#89-John Lohmeyer)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Mike Eischeid
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Minnesota acquired veteran punter Mike Eischeid from Kansas City on May 25, 1972 for a fourth-round choice in the 1973 draft. Vikings and Chiefs histories both trace that selection to pick No. 89, which Kansas City used on Emporia State defensive lineman John Lohmeyer. The exchange therefore produced a clean comparison between an established specialist and a future draft choice that became a multi-year Chief.
What Minnesota Received
Eischeid immediately became Minnesota’s primary punter. NFL statistics show him handling 62 punts at a 42.8-yard average in 1972, 66 punts in 1973 and 73 in 1974. He appeared in all 14 regular-season games in each of those three years. That gave the Vikings dependable specialist continuity during a period that included consecutive Super Bowl appearances following the 1973 and 1974 seasons. His value was role-specific, but it was steady and sustained.
What Kansas City Received
Lohmeyer also provided a multi-year return. The Chiefs identify him as their fourth-round selection at No. 89 and note that he played for Kansas City from 1973 through 1977, serving as special-teams captain for three seasons. NFL records show 41 regular-season appearances for the Chiefs. He was not a star-level defender, but he became a durable roster and special-teams contributor from the draft asset Kansas City acquired.
Final Verdict
Neither team clearly lost. Minnesota received three complete seasons from its punter, while Kansas City turned the fourth-round pick into five seasons of useful roster and special-teams work. The roles were different, but the realized value is close enough that forcing a directional verdict would overstate the separation. Matching B grades recognize a productive exchange for both franchises.