3 best trades ever made by the Minnesota Vikings
By Adam Carlson
Vikings acquire Tarkenton from New York Giants
While the Vikings first got Fran Tarkenton with a third-round selection in the 1961 NFL Draft, he only stayed with Minnesota for six seasons before he was shipped off to the Giants to play from 1967–1971.
However, he did return to Minnesota thanks to a trade that sent Norm Snead, Bob Grim and Vince Clements plus a first and second-round draft choice to the Giants in exchange for Tarkenton, a big haul but also a bargain.
Tarkenton immediately brought stability back to the Vikings offense, becoming the main man once again after seeing the likes of Joe Kapp, Ron Vander Kelen, Gary Cuozzo, Bob Lee, and Norm Snead each start at quarterback with limited success.
Going on to start for Minnesota for the next seven seasons, Tarkenton brought that exciting feel back to the Vikings and three Super Bowl appearances in VIII, IX, and XI, cementing the legacy of this franchise’s ability during that time.