Minnesota acquired the rights to Bob Breitenstein from…
Minnesota acquired the rights to Bob Breitenstein from Washington in 1967 and sent back a 1968 fifth-round pick, No. 117. Breitenstein played 11 games with six starts for the Vikings, but Washington used the pick on Mike Bragg, who became the franchise's long-term punter. Bragg's 12 seasons in Washington and 172 games make this a clear Washington win.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- other rights to Bob Breitenstein
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1968 fifth round pick (#117-Mike Bragg)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The 1967 transaction sent the rights to offensive lineman Bob Breitenstein to Minnesota for Washington's eventual 1968 fifth-round selection, No. 117. Draft-transfer records connect that pick directly to Mike Bragg. The Vikings were buying immediate line help, while Washington accepted a future selection that carried only modest draft value at the time.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Breitenstein was not a complete miss. He appeared in 11 games for Minnesota and started six, giving the Vikings usable depth and some immediate lineup value. Still, his Minnesota tenure was short. For a fifth-round price that result would normally be acceptable, but the comparison changes sharply because of what Washington ultimately obtained with the choice.
Washington Return
Washington selected Mike Bragg at No. 117, and Bragg became one of the franchise's most durable specialists. He handled punting duties for Washington from 1968 through 1979, appeared in 172 games for the club, and later earned recognition among the franchise's notable players. That is unusually strong career value from a fifth-round pick.
Value in Hindsight
The trade shows how a modest future pick can dramatically change a retrospective grade when it becomes a long-term starter or specialist. Minnesota got a player who helped briefly, so this is not a zero-return loss. Washington, however, turned a nonessential set of rights into more than a decade of continuity at an important field-position role.
Final Verdict
Washington wins comfortably. Minnesota earns a C because Breitenstein did contribute in 1967, but Washington receives an A- for converting the fifth-round selection into a 12-season franchise punter. Bragg's longevity and workload create a clear separation that the original even grade did not capture.