Minnesota acquired guard Steve Lawson plus Cincinnati's 1975…
Minnesota acquired guard Steve Lawson plus Cincinnati's 1975 fourth-round pick, while the Bengals received Minnesota's 1974 fourth- and 1975 third-round choices. Lawson became a multi-year Vikings lineman, but Cincinnati converted its picks into Richard Williams and linebacker Bo Harris. Both sides gained usable value, with the Bengals' two-pick return giving Cincinnati the narrow overall edge.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1974 fourth round pick (#103-Richard Williams (a))
- pick 1975 third round pick (#77-Bo Harris)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Steve Lawson
- pick 1975 fourth round pick (#89-Harold Henson / Champ Henson)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On August 10, 1973, Minnesota acquired guard Steve Lawson and a future fourth-round selection from Cincinnati. In return, the Bengals received Minnesota's 1974 fourth-round choice and 1975 third-round choice. Official Cincinnati and Minnesota histories line up on the eventual pick identities: Cincinnati used No. 103 in 1974 on Richard Williams and No. 77 in 1975 on Bo Harris, while Minnesota used Cincinnati's No. 89 pick in 1975 on Harold “Champ” Henson.
Minnesota Return
Lawson became useful line depth for the Vikings. He appeared in two games in 1973, 13 in 1974, and 11 in 1975 before continuing his NFL career with San Francisco. Minnesota also retained a fourth-round draft asset and used it on Henson. That combination gave the Vikings both immediate roster help and another future selection, making this much better than a simple player-for-two-picks loss.
Cincinnati Return
The Bengals received two selections, including a third-rounder. The 1975 choice produced linebacker Bo Harris, while the 1974 fourth-rounder became Richard Williams. The package gave Cincinnati two opportunities to add younger talent and ultimately supplied more aggregate draft value than the single fourth-rounder it sent away.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati wins narrowly, not overwhelmingly. Minnesota received several seasons from Lawson and also kept meaningful draft value through the Henson selection. The Bengals, however, came away with the stronger two-pick package and converted both choices into players. B for Cincinnati and B- for Minnesota properly reflects a competitive trade in which both teams realized value. Neither club was left empty-handed, which is why the grade gap remains only one step.