The 1989 trade of Herschel Walker from the Dallas Cowboys to the Minnesota Vikings is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal deals in NFL history. The Cowboys traded Walker for a haul of players and draft picks, paving the way for a dynasty in the 1990s with three Super Bowl titles. But what would have happened if this trade never took place? Let’s explore the possible scenarios from the perspectives of history, strategy, and long-term impact.
1. Herschel Walker Remains the Cowboys’ Star
If the Cowboys had kept Walker, he would almost certainly have remained the centerpiece of their offense. At the time, Walker was at the peak of his career, with exceptional rushing ability and physical dominance. In 1988, he recorded 1,514 rushing yards and 505 receiving yards, proving himself one of the NFL’s most versatile running backs.
Immediate Impact: With Walker, the Cowboys might have improved their performance in the 1989 and 1990 seasons, which were challenging years (1-15 in 1989 and 7-9 in 1990). His presence could have stabilized the offense, particularly when paired with a young quarterback, Troy Aikman.
Limitations: However, the Cowboys’ system under head coach Jimmy Johnson relied heavily on speed and flexibility. Walker’s powerful running style might not have fully aligned with Johnson’s long-term vision, which prioritized a balanced offense and a fast, aggressive defense.
2. No “Great Trade Robbery”
The Walker trade netted the Cowboys 18 draft picks and players, including key contributors like Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, Kevin Smith, and Darren Woodson. Without this deal, the Cowboys would have missed out on the critical pieces needed to build a championship roster.
Losing Emmitt Smith: Without the draft picks from the Vikings, the Cowboys likely would not have selected Emmitt Smith, who became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and the heart of the Cowboys’ offense. Instead, they might have relied on other running backs or drafted a different player, but few could match Smith’s impact.
Weaker Defense: Players like Maryland and Woodson bolstered the Cowboys’ defense, making it one of the most formidable units of the 1990s. Without them, the Cowboys might have struggled to stop powerhouse opponents like the San Francisco 49ers or New York Giants.
3. Impact on the Cowboys’ Dynasty
The Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, with Super Bowl victories in 1992, 1993, and 1995, was largely built on the foundation of the Walker trade. Without it, the Cowboys might still have been competitive but would likely have fallen short of dominance.
Optimistic Scenario: With Walker, Aikman, and Michael Irvin, the Cowboys could still have won a Super Bowl, driven by individual talent and Jimmy Johnson’s leadership. However, a lack of roster depth might have left them vulnerable to better-coached teams.
Realistic Scenario: The Cowboys might have been perennial playoff contenders, similar to the Minnesota Vikings or Philadelphia Eagles of the era, but lacked the firepower to compete with giants like the 49ers or Buffalo Bills.
4. Impact on the NFL
The Walker trade didn’t just transform the Cowboys—it reshaped the NFL. It became a lesson in the value of draft picks and how a team could rebuild through bold trades.
Minnesota Vikings: Without the trade, the Vikings could have retained players like Darrin Nelson and Issiac Holt, along with their draft picks, potentially building a stronger roster. However, given their history of questionable management, the Vikings might not have capitalized on this opportunity.
Trade Legacy: Without the Walker trade, NFL teams might have been slower to recognize the value of stockpiling draft picks. This could have delayed the evolution of modern trade strategies, where teams are more willing to trade stars for long-term assets.
5. Herschel Walker’s Personal Legacy
Staying with the Cowboys could have allowed Walker to achieve even greater individual milestones, such as reaching 10,000 career rushing yards sooner. However, he might have been overshadowed in a less competitive roster instead of being part of a championship dynasty.
Championship Opportunity: Remaining with the Cowboys would have given Walker a chance to win a Super Bowl, something he never accomplished in his actual career. However, this would have depended on the Cowboys building a contending roster without the Vikings’ draft picks.
Public Image: Walker might have been remembered as a Cowboys legend rather than a player tied to a failed trade in Minnesota.
Conclusion
If the Dallas Cowboys had not traded Herschel Walker, they might still have been a formidable team thanks to the talents of Walker, Aikman, and Irvin. However, without the draft picks and players acquired from the Vikings, the Cowboys would have struggled to build the depth needed to dominate the NFL as they did in the 1990s. The Walker trade not only shaped the Cowboys but also changed how NFL teams viewed the value of draft assets. In any scenario, Walker’s and the Cowboys’ legacies remain an integral part of American football history.