St. Louis acquired rookie receiver Brandon Gibson and a 2010…
St. Louis acquired rookie receiver Brandon Gibson and a 2010 fifth-round pick for linebacker Will Witherspoon. Gibson became a four-year Rams contributor, producing 174 catches, 2,090 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, while the pick was later used in a trade package that improved the Rams' draft position. Witherspoon helped Philadelphia immediately but lasted only 11 games before his release. The Rams win this deal on sustained realized value.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Brandon Gibson
- pick 2010 fifth-round draft pick
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Will Witherspoon
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
At the 2009 trade deadline, Philadelphia acquired linebacker Will Witherspoon from St. Louis for rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson and a fifth-round pick in the 2010 draft. The structured package is Brandon Gibson plus a 2010 fifth-round pick for Will Witherspoon. Both clubs' public records confirm the fifth-rounder's year and round.
St. Louis Rams Return
The Rams received the deeper return. Gibson immediately joined the lineup and stayed through 2012, totaling 174 receptions, 2,090 receiving yards and nine touchdowns across four St. Louis seasons. He developed into a regular starter rather than a throw-in. The fifth-rounder became No. 163 in 2010. St. Louis later included that selection, Adam Carriker and another pick in a deal with Washington, converting the asset into different draft capital. The Rams should receive credit for that flexibility, not for Reshad Jones, whom Miami eventually selected after the pick moved again.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Witherspoon gave Philadelphia useful short-term help. He played 11 games after the trade, started 10, and made an immediate impact with a sack, forced fumble and interception returned for a touchdown in his Eagles debut. His tenure was brief, however. Philadelphia released him in March 2010, and he signed with Tennessee.
Value in Hindsight
Philadelphia solved an urgent linebacker problem for a playoff run, so this was not an empty return. The imbalance comes from duration. St. Louis obtained a receiver who contributed for four seasons plus a draft asset that remained useful in another transaction. Philadelphia received roughly half a season of Witherspoon.
Final Verdict
The Rams win with an A-minus grade; Philadelphia receives a B-minus. The Eagles got meaningful immediate production, but Gibson's sustained receiving value plus the retained fifth-round asset created substantially more total value for St. Louis.