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The Worst Trade For Every NFL Team In History

By Erik Lambert

31 Dec 1995: Quarterback Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers avoid pressure during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport
31 Dec 1995: Quarterback Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers avoid pressure during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /
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26 Nov 1989: Running back Herschel Walker of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game 20-19.
26 Nov 1989: Running back Herschel Walker of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game 20-19. /

Minnesota Vikings

60. . RB. Minnesota Vikings. Herschel Walker . 20. player

Still to this day, it’s considered the trade by which all others are measured. It was the blockbuster of blockbusters. The time the Minnesota Vikings gave away a legendary haul of veteran players and high draft picks to secure what they felt was the final piece to their championship puzzle but turned out to be the foundation of a dynasty for another team.

Why the Vikings traded for Herschel Walker was easy to understand. In 1988, their running game was atrocious as no player on the roster managed to top 400 yards on the ground. Yet the team went 11-5 anyway. It was felt that if they could add a genuine star in the backfield, coupled with Wade Wilson and Anthony Carter on offense? They’d be set for a Super Bowl run.

When the Dallas Cowboys made Walker available, it seemed like fate. The two-time Pro Bowler had just rushed for over 1,500 yards that season. He was everything they were looking for and they’d do whatever it took to get him. Boy did they ever. In addition to five veteran players, they sent three 1st, three 2nd, a third and sixth round picks. In return they got Walker and four mid-to-late round picks.

All things considered, Walker wasn’t terrible in Minnesota, but he wasn’t the Golden Goose they’d hoped for either. He lasted less than three seasons. Dallas used that haul of picks in further trades that helped them acquire a slew of talent in the next couple years, catapulting them to three Super Bowl championships from 1992 to 1995.

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