The June 1980 Steve Riley entry reflects the resolution of an…
The June 1980 Steve Riley entry reflects the resolution of an earlier Vikings-Saints transaction after Riley failed New Orleans' physical and remained with Minnesota. The Saints ultimately received 1981 third- and fifth-round selections, Nos. 71 and 128, while Minnesota retained Riley, who continued as a regular offensive tackle for several seasons. Both sides obtained real value, but the two future selections give New Orleans the stronger return and preserve a narrow Saints win.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Steve Riley
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 1981 third round pick (#71-Hoby Brenner)
- pick 1981 fifth round pick (#128-Jerry Boyarsky)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
This entry is best understood as the resolution of the earlier Steve Riley transaction rather than a conventional June acquisition. Riley had been sent to New Orleans in April, but player records state that he failed the Saints' physical and the move was voided. He remained with Minnesota. The clubs then had to settle the draft value connected to the earlier exchange, producing future compensation for New Orleans.
What Minnesota Received
Minnesota retained Riley, which was meaningful. He continued with the Vikings through the mid-1980s and resumed a substantial starting role on the offensive line. In practical football terms, the Vikings kept a veteran tackle who still had several seasons of useful service remaining. That explains why Minnesota's side should not be treated as a failed return even though it surrendered future selections.
What New Orleans Received
The Saints received 1981 third- and fifth-round choices, Nos. 71 and 128. Those selections became Hoby Brenner and Jerry Boyarsky. Brenner in particular developed into a long-term NFL tight end. The two-pick package gave New Orleans genuine future value after the original player transfer could not stand because of the physical.
How the Value Developed
Both clubs came away with something useful. Minnesota kept an established starter. New Orleans recovered two future choices and obtained meaningful value from the stronger of them. The unusual sequence matters: Riley's continued Vikings career should not be described as a normal player received in a fresh June trade, and the Saints' picks should be viewed as compensation tied to resolving the failed earlier move.
Final Verdict
New Orleans keeps a B+ and Minnesota a C+. Riley's continued service made Minnesota's outcome respectable, but the Saints' two future selections, including the pick used on Brenner, provided the stronger long-term return. The result favors New Orleans without treating Minnesota's retained tackle as a loss of value.