Minnesota acquired guard Tonio Fonoti from the Chargers on…
Minnesota acquired guard Tonio Fonoti from the Chargers on October 18, 2005, for a 2006 seventh-round pick that became No. 227, Jimmy Martin. Fonoti's Vikings tenure amounted to one game and one start before injuries ended the experiment. The Chargers at least converted a player they were moving on from into a defined draft selection, giving them the better result.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 2006 7th round pick (227th overall, Jimmy Martin)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Tonio Fonoti
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Minnesota traded for guard Tonio Fonoti on October 18, 2005, seeking immediate help for its offensive line. The Chargers received a 2006 seventh-round choice in return. Historical draft records identify that selection as No. 227 overall, which became Jimmy Martin. That resolves the compensation as a specific pick rather than an open-ended draft return.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
The Chargers moved a former second-round guard whose availability and fit had become uncertain and recovered a late draft selection. A seventh-round pick carries limited expected value, and Martin did not turn the exchange into a major long-term score. Still, the club obtained a real, exercisable asset for a player it was prepared to part with, preserving at least some value instead of losing Fonoti without compensation.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Minnesota's logic was understandable because experienced interior-line help can be difficult to find during a season. Fonoti, however, appeared in only one game for the Vikings and started that contest. Injuries kept the acquisition from becoming the stabilizing move Minnesota hoped for. The short stay meant the Vikings surrendered a draft choice for almost no sustained lineup value.
Value in Hindsight
This is a modest Chargers win rather than a dramatic one. The selection they received was late, and the resulting player did not become a franchise piece. The separation comes from Minnesota's side failing to produce meaningful duration. One start is a very small return even for a seventh-round cost, while the Chargers at least retained the option value of the pick.
Final Verdict
The Chargers receive a B- and Minnesota a D+. The grade gap reflects realized value, not the size of the original gamble. Minnesota paid a low price for a reasonable in-season idea, but Fonoti's one-game tenure made the move unsuccessful. The Chargers recovered a defined selection and therefore finished with the stronger outcome.