Minnesota traded linebacker Gerald Hodges to San Francisco in…
Minnesota traded linebacker Gerald Hodges to San Francisco in October 2015 for center Nick Easton and a 2016 sixth-round pick, later used on Moritz Boehringer. Boehringer never became a regular-season factor, but Easton developed into a useful Vikings interior lineman and made 17 starts for Minnesota. Hodges gave the 49ers immediate linebacker snaps, yet the combined Easton-plus-pick return created the better long-term value for the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Nick Easton
- pick 2016 6th-round pick (#180 Moritz Boehringer)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Gerald Hodges
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Minnesota was ready to expand rookie Eric Kendricks' role at linebacker and used Gerald Hodges to address offensive-line depth. San Francisco had endured major linebacker turnover and wanted an experienced defender. The 49ers sent center Nick Easton and a future sixth-round pick to the Vikings for Hodges.
What Each Side Received
Minnesota received Easton and the 180th pick in the 2016 draft, eventually used on Moritz Boehringer. San Francisco received Hodges. Boehringer became a famous athletic-project selection but never supplied regular-season production, so Minnesota's grade rests primarily on Easton.
How the Value Developed
Easton became more than throw-in depth. He appeared in 23 games for Minnesota and started 17, including 12 starts during the Vikings' 2017 NFC Championship Game season. That gave Minnesota useful interior-line stability from an undrafted player acquired by trade. Hodges also helped San Francisco, appearing in 25 games with 16 starts over the remainder of 2015 and the 2016 season. His contribution keeps the 49ers from receiving a low grade.
Why Minnesota Gets the Edge
The Vikings gained a starter at a position where they needed depth and also received an extra selection. Even though the pick did not become a contributor, the two-asset structure plus Easton's starting value slightly exceeded what San Francisco received from Hodges. The 49ers did not make a bad trade; they simply paid enough that Minnesota's return aged better.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns a B for turning a replaceable linebacker into a multi-year starting lineman and a draft pick. San Francisco gets a C+ because Hodges provided legitimate defensive snaps but did not create enough surplus value to overcome the additional asset surrendered. The Vikings win narrowly.