Denver acquired wide receiver Gene Washington from Minnesota…
Denver acquired wide receiver Gene Washington from Minnesota for Rod Sherman and the 1974 fifth-round pick used on Jim Ferguson. Washington played all 14 games for Denver in 1973 and scored three receiving touchdowns. Sherman did not play a regular-season game for Minnesota, and Ferguson never appeared in the NFL, giving the Broncos the better direct return.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Gene Washington (b. 1944-01-25)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Rod Sherman
- pick 1974 fifth round pick (#120-Jim Ferguson)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On August 28, 1973, Denver acquired wide receiver Gene Washington from Minnesota. The Vikings received veteran receiver Rod Sherman and a 1974 fifth-round pick, No. 120 overall, later used on defensive back Jim Ferguson. Minnesota's official draft history and Denver's transaction history agree on that package. Washington was a player, not a draft pick, so the asset type should reflect the actual veteran-for-veteran-and-pick exchange.
Denver Return
Washington gave Denver one useful season. He appeared in all 14 games in 1973, caught 10 passes for 150 yards, and scored three receiving touchdowns. The totals were modest compared with his earlier Minnesota peak, but Denver still received regular-season production from the veteran it targeted. He did not become a multi-year Broncos fixture, which limits the size of Denver's advantage.
Minnesota Return
Sherman had been productive for Denver in 1972, but he did not produce a Vikings regular-season season after the trade. His 1973 NFL record consists of three games for the Los Angeles Rams. Minnesota also used the acquired fifth-round selection on Ferguson. The Vikings' official draft history confirms Ferguson as the No. 120 choice from Denver, while draft records show no NFL regular-season career for him. Neither incoming asset therefore created direct Minnesota playing value.
Final Verdict
Denver wins by a modest margin. Washington's 14 games, 150 receiving yards, and three touchdowns are enough to separate the sides because Sherman never played a regular-season game for Minnesota and Ferguson never reached the NFL regular season. B- for Denver and C for Minnesota fits a useful one-year return rather than a major victory.