Minnesota acquired veteran safety Steve Freeman from Buffalo…
Minnesota acquired veteran safety Steve Freeman from Buffalo on March 11, 1987 for past considerations whose details were not identified in the surviving transaction record. Freeman appeared in 12 games for the Vikings that season and recorded 12 combined tackles, providing short-term veteran depth. Because Buffalo's consideration is not quantified, the modest known return supports a cautious Even Trade rather than a forced winner.
Buffalo Bills Received
- other past considerations (details not identified)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Steve Freeman
Trade Analysis
Why Minnesota Added Freeman
Minnesota acquired Steve Freeman from Buffalo in March 1987 for past considerations. Freeman brought extensive NFL experience after years in the Bills' secondary, so the Vikings were buying inexpensive veteran depth rather than betting on a long-term starter. Contemporary transaction reporting confirms the move and describes Buffalo's return only as past considerations.
What Minnesota Received
Freeman played 12 games for the Vikings in 1987. He did not start and finished with 12 combined tackles, making his Minnesota contribution useful but narrow. His best NFL seasons had already come in Buffalo, where he had been a regular defensive back and intercepted 23 passes over his Bills career.
What Buffalo Received
The surviving transaction descriptions do not identify the exact form or amount of the past considerations. That limits how precisely Buffalo's side can be valued. What can be said safely is that the Bills moved a veteran whose role had diminished and did not watch him become a major contributor for Minnesota.
How the Value Settled
Minnesota received a season of experienced reserve help, while Buffalo freed the roster spot and received whatever consideration the clubs had arranged. Neither known outcome carries enough weight to overwhelm the uncertainty around the compensation.
Final Verdict
This is an Even Trade with C+ grades on both sides. Minnesota got exactly the sort of short-term depth a low-cost veteran transaction is meant to provide, but only for one season and in a limited role. Buffalo did not give away meaningful late-career production. With the consideration unspecified, a narrow, balanced judgment is the most supportable result.