Minnesota sent Clint Jones and Carl Gersbach to San Diego for…
Minnesota sent Clint Jones and Carl Gersbach to San Diego for 1974 second- and third-round selections. The Vikings used those picks on John Holland and Steve Craig, giving Minnesota two meaningful draft assets for veterans whose Chargers impact was limited. Neither drafted player became a star, but the two-pick return still gives the Vikings a clear, moderate advantage.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Carl Gersbach
- player Clint Jones
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 1974 second round pick (#29-John Holland)
- pick 1974 third round pick (#64-Steve Craig)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On September 5, 1973, Minnesota traded Clint Jones and Carl Gersbach to the San Diego Chargers for two selections in the 1974 draft. Minnesota's official draft history identifies the return as a second-round choice, No. 29, and a third-round choice, No. 64. The Vikings used those picks on John Holland and Steve Craig. Independent draft-trade records match the two-pick package.
Minnesota Return
Two day-two choices gave Minnesota useful roster-building flexibility. Holland and Craig did not become major stars, so the Vikings should not receive an inflated grade based solely on where the picks were made. Still, the club converted two veterans into a second- and third-round pair and kept both selections for its own draft class. That is meaningful asset value and gave Minnesota two chances to refresh the roster.
Los Angeles Return
The Chargers acquired two experienced players who could provide immediate depth. Jones had been an important Viking earlier in his career, but by 1973 he was near the end of his playing days. Gersbach likewise did not become a long-term Chargers cornerstone. The veteran side therefore produced less durable value than the two picks San Diego surrendered.
Final Verdict
Minnesota wins, but the result belongs in the middle of the grading curve. The Vikings' picks did not generate elite careers, which keeps their grade at B- rather than something higher. San Diego's veteran return was limited enough to fall to C-. The key distinction is that Minnesota secured two relatively valuable draft opportunities while the Chargers received only short-lived roster help.