Here are the NY Giants’ 4 worst trades in franchise history

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 18: Former teammates Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants talk after the game at MetLife Stadium on November 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 18: Former teammates Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants talk after the game at MetLife Stadium on November 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Fran Tarkenton of the New York Giants (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)
Fran Tarkenton of the New York Giants (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)

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.

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