The Minnesota Vikings have had more than their share of quarterback drama over the years, but one particular move still stands out — and not in a good way. According to Bleacher Report, the Vikings’ 2016 trade for quarterback Sam Bradford is now being remembered as one of the worst NFL trades of the past decade.
It all started with hope. After a Pro Bowl season and playoff appearance, 2014 first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater was on track to become the face of the franchise. But disaster struck just before the 2016 season when Bridgewater suffered a devastating knee injury in training camp. The Vikings, desperate for a quick fix at quarterback, went into panic mode.
That desperation led then-general manager Rick Spielman to pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings gave up a 2017 first-round pick and a conditional 2018 fourth-round pick to acquire Sam Bradford — a former No. 1 overall pick known more for his injury history than his accomplishments.
At first, the move looked like it might work. Bradford stepped in and helped Minnesota start the 2016 season 5-0. But things quickly unraveled. The team finished 8-8, and Bradford ended up with a 7-8 record as a starter over two seasons. While his stats were decent — 3,877 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just five interceptions — he couldn’t stay healthy.
By 2017, Bradford was sidelined again with another knee issue, and backup Case Keenum took over. Keenum not only revived the season but also led the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game, highlighted by the unforgettable “Minneapolis Miracle.”
Despite that magical run, the Vikings opted for long-term stability, signing Kirk Cousins to a fully guaranteed contract — a first in NFL history. Yet, even after six seasons and $185 million invested in Cousins, the team has not made it back to the NFC title game.
Now, a new era has begun under head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, with rookie J.J. McCarthy seen as the next hopeful franchise quarterback.
But the shadow of that 2016 trade for Bradford still looms large — a cautionary tale of what happens when short-term panic leads to long-term regret.