Minnesota acquired linebacker Ron Porter from Philadelphia…
Minnesota acquired linebacker Ron Porter from Philadelphia for the 1974 fifth-round choice that became pick No. 128. Porter appeared in 13 games for the Vikings in 1973 but did not become a long-term starter. Philadelphia moved the pick onward before Monroe Eley was selected, leaving neither club with enough direct, lasting value to claim a meaningful win.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Ron Porter
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1974 fifth round pick (#128-Monroe Eley)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On September 7, 1973, Minnesota acquired linebacker Ron Porter from Philadelphia for a future fifth-round selection. Minnesota's own draft history identifies the outgoing choice as pick No. 128 in the 1974 draft, and draft-trade records connect that selection to the Porter transaction. The same Minnesota history shows the pick had originally come from the Los Angeles Rams in the Charles Stukes deal before the Vikings sent it to Philadelphia.
Minnesota Return
Porter gave the Vikings immediate roster depth. He appeared in 13 games for Minnesota during the 1973 season, but he did not start and did not develop into a multi-year Vikings regular. That makes the return real but limited. Minnesota bought a usable veteran for a late-round choice, which is a reasonable roster move, yet the club did not receive a player whose production materially changed the franchise's long-term outlook.
Philadelphia Return
The Eagles received fifth-round value rather than an established player. The No. 128 slot ultimately produced Monroe Eley, but the documented pick trail shows Philadelphia moved the selection onward, so Eley's later NFL career should not be credited as direct Eagles value from this trade. Philadelphia still gained a transferable draft asset, which offsets the one-season depth Porter provided Minnesota.
Final Verdict
Neither side created a durable advantage. Minnesota received a season of linebacker depth, while Philadelphia obtained a fifth-round asset that it later moved rather than converting directly into a long-term Eagles contributor. C grades for both teams fit the modest scale and limited realized value. The transaction is best treated as an even trade rather than forcing a winner from a late-round asset exchange.