Minnesota acquired defensive back Ted Provost from the Los…

The Exchange

Minnesota and Los Angeles made a small September 1970 roster deal centered on defensive back Ted Provost. The Vikings received Provost, while the Rams acquired Minnesota's 1972 fifth-round selection. Minnesota's historical draft record identifies that choice as No. 128, associated with Greg Kucera. The transaction was inexpensive for both clubs and carried limited downside from the start.

Minnesota Vikings Return

Minnesota acquired defensive back Ted Provost from the Los Angeles Rams in September 1970, and the Rams received Minnesota's 1972 fifth-round selection, No. 128, tied in the draft record to Greg Kucera. Provost appeared in only seven games for the Vikings without a start, while the pick produced no clear long-term Rams advantage. The modest returns fit an even result.

Los Angeles Rams Return

The Rams turned Ted Provost into Minnesota's 1972 fifth-round pick, No. 128, while the Vikings received a veteran defensive back for the 1970 season. Provost played seven games for Minnesota and did not start, and the draft choice did not become a significant Rams payoff. Neither side extracted enough durable value to separate itself clearly from the other.

Value in Hindsight

The deal is a useful example of why late-round compensation can make a trade hard to separate in hindsight. Minnesota obtained a player who actually suited up, but only briefly. Los Angeles gained draft flexibility, but not a meaningful long-term contributor from the identified choice. Both clubs received something functional without creating a durable competitive edge.

Final Verdict

An even grade remains appropriate. Minnesota gets a C+ for adding short-term depth at a low acquisition cost, and Los Angeles gets a C+ for turning Provost into future draft capital. Neither the seven-game Vikings stint nor the fifth-round return developed into enough value to call this a meaningful win for either franchise.