Minnesota acquired veteran quarterback Norm Snead from…
Minnesota acquired veteran quarterback Norm Snead from Philadelphia for tackle Steve Smith and three draft choices: a 1971 second, 1971 sixth and 1972 third. Snead started only two games for the Vikings before becoming part of the package that brought Fran Tarkenton back to Minnesota. Philadelphia received several years of Smith plus multiple selections, giving the Eagles the stronger direct return despite Minnesota later recycling Snead productively.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Norm Snead
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Steve Smith (Cot)
- pick 1971 second round pick (#50-Henry Allison / Hank Allison)
- pick 1971 sixth round pick (#154-Wyck Neely)
- pick 1972 third round pick (#76-Bobby Majors)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Minnesota acquired Norm Snead from Philadelphia on January 28, 1971. The Eagles received veteran lineman Steve Smith, a second-round pick and sixth-round pick in the 1971 draft, and a third-round choice in 1972. Those selections became Hank Allison, Wyck Neely and Bobby Majors. Team draft histories and transaction records align on the package.
Why Minnesota Wanted a Quarterback
The Vikings were an established contender searching for more stability behind center. Snead had extensive starting experience, but his one season in Minnesota never became the answer. He appeared in seven games, started two and threw one touchdown against six interceptions. Minnesota still won its division, but Gary Cuozzo handled the postseason start.
What Philadelphia Received
Smith gave the Eagles a veteran lineman who remained with the club for several seasons, while the three draft choices expanded Philadelphia’s roster-building options. None of the selected players became a franchise star, which keeps the Eagles’ grade below the very top tier, but Philadelphia received multiple usable assets for a quarterback it was ready to move.
How Minnesota Recovered Value
Snead was not a dead-end asset. In January 1972, Minnesota included him with Bob Grim, Vince Clements and high draft choices in the blockbuster trade that brought Fran Tarkenton back from the Giants. That later use gives the Vikings some indirect value and prevents the original Snead acquisition from being treated as a complete failure.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia wins this transaction. The Eagles received a veteran contributor and three draft choices, while Snead provided little direct quarterback production in Minnesota. The Vikings did successfully recycle him in the Tarkenton trade, so a C remains reasonable. Philadelphia’s broader and more immediate return supports an A-.