Minnesota acquired defensive backs Windlan Hall and Nate…
Minnesota acquired defensive backs Windlan Hall and Nate Allen from San Francisco for offensive lineman Steve Lawson and a 1978 sixth-round choice. Allen immediately started 11 games and intercepted three passes for the Vikings in 1976. That useful secondary return gave Minnesota real value without producing a decisive advantage.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Windlan Hall
- player Nate Allen (S.)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Steve Lawson
- pick 1978 sixth round pick (#159-Tony Green (b))
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Minnesota and San Francisco completed a four-asset exchange on August 6, 1976. The Vikings received defensive backs Windlan Hall and Nate Allen, while the 49ers received offensive lineman Steve Lawson and a 1978 sixth-round choice. Vikings draft history identifies the future selection as No. 159, but San Francisco later moved that asset onward rather than using it itself.
What Minnesota Received
Allen supplied the most visible immediate return for Minnesota. Pro Football Reference lists him with 11 starts and three interceptions for the 1976 Vikings, giving the club a meaningful contributor in the secondary. Hall added another defensive back to the package. The combination gave Minnesota enough direct value to justify parting with an established lineman and future late-round capital.
What San Francisco Received
Lawson was immediately useful. Pro Football Reference shows him starting all 14 games for the 1976 49ers, so San Francisco acquired a full-season offensive-line starter. The sixth-round choice also retained trade value, even though the 49ers later moved it. Because they did not select the eventual No. 159 player themselves, his later career should not be counted as direct San Francisco production.
Why the Value Landed Here
Each team solved a roster need with an immediate starter. Allen strengthened Minnesota's secondary, while Lawson stepped directly into San Francisco's offensive line. The added players and draft capital balance the edges around those starters, and the later movement of the sixth-round choice prevents an exaggerated hindsight advantage for the 49ers.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive B- grades. Minnesota got useful secondary production, and San Francisco got a full-season starting lineman plus movable draft capital. With meaningful direct value on each side, the most supportable result is an even trade.