Cincinnati sent Minnesota the rights to Orlando Nelson for a…
Cincinnati sent Minnesota the rights to Orlando Nelson for a 1977 seventh-round choice. The Bengals used the pick at No. 194 on tight end Jim Corbett, who went on to appear in 44 NFL games and catch 25 passes. That was modest production, but it was still a concrete return from a low-cost transaction and gives Cincinnati the edge.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1977 seventh round pick (#194-Jim Corbett)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- other rights to Orlando Nelson
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Minnesota acquired the rights to Orlando Nelson from Cincinnati in June 1976 for a seventh-round selection in the 1977 draft. Vikings and Bengals historical draft records connect that choice to No. 194, Jim Corbett. Because the price was late-round capital, the standard for either side was modest: any sustained NFL contribution could swing the result.
What Cincinnati Received
Cincinnati used the pick on Corbett, a tight end who carved out a real professional career. Pro Football Reference credits him with 44 games, 25 receptions, 376 receiving yards and a touchdown. Those are not star numbers, but they represent tangible multi-year value from a seventh-round choice acquired for rights the Bengals were willing to move.
What Minnesota Received
The Vikings acquired Nelson's rights but did not generate a comparable regular-season return from the transaction. The move was inexpensive and did not damage Minnesota's roster construction, yet the outgoing selection ultimately became a player who reached the field repeatedly. That makes the opportunity cost visible even though the original stake was small.
Why the Value Landed Here
Late-round trades should be judged proportionally. Cincinnati did not uncover a franchise-changing player, but it turned unused rights into a selection that produced 44 NFL appearances. Minnesota's side did not create an equivalent result. The modest scale prevents an extreme grade, but the realized production clearly separates the clubs.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati receives a B and Minnesota receives a D+. The Bengals win because Corbett supplied genuine NFL value from the acquired seventh-round choice, while the Vikings did not realize a comparable return from Nelson's rights.