NFL Trade Verdict

Los Angeles Chargers Win

Vikings sent Pro Bowl G Ed White (1969 2nd-rounder from the Tarkenton trade, 1975 All-Pro, 8 seasons in Minnesota) to San Diego and received RB Rickey Young. Young was serviceable (caught 88 passes in 1978, a then-NFL record for RBs) but giving up White — a foundational OL piece — for a running back was a poor long-term decision.

July 28, 1978 Minnesota VikingsLos Angeles Chargers Confidence: high Tier: major

Trade Summary

Vikings sent Pro Bowl G Ed White (1969 2nd-rounder from the Tarkenton trade, 1975 All-Pro, 8 seasons in Minnesota) to San Diego and received RB Rickey Young. Young was serviceable (caught 88 passes in 1978, a then-NFL record for RBs) but giving up White — a foundational OL piece — for a running back was a poor long-term decision.

Trade Analysis

Vikings sent Pro Bowl G Ed White (1969 2nd-rounder from the Tarkenton trade, 1975 All-Pro, 8 seasons in Minnesota) to San Diego and received RB Rickey Young. Young was serviceable (caught 88 passes in 1978, a then-NFL record for RBs) but giving up White — a foundational OL piece — for a running back was a poor long-term decision. Chargers received elite interior lineman Ed White, who gave them five more productive seasons protecting Dan Fouts. Enormously lopsided in San Diego's favor.