No. 1 Worst Trade in NY Giants History: Fran Tarkenton back to Minnesota
The NY Giants made an ill-advised decision in trading Fran Tarkenton back to the Vikings in 1972.
In four seasons with New York, Tarkenton earned three Pro bowl honors during his time but failed to make the playoffs.
Tarkenton was sent back to Minnesota in ’72 in exchange mainly for Norm Snead at quarterback and Brad Van Pelt at linebacker. Snead was a total bust at QB while Van pelt went on to earn 5 Pro Bowls, one All-Pro with the Giants before being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.
However, Tarkenton experienced terrific success back in Minnesota. He’d win an NFL MVP award, NFL Offensive Player of the Year, two All-Pro appearances, three more Pro Bowl seasons, and also led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns one apiece to end his career with the Vikes. On top of that, Tarkenton led his team to three Super Bowl appearances. Although he never won one, it’s a remarkable accomplishment nonetheless.