Philadelphia acquired Gary Ballman from Pittsburgh and…
Philadelphia acquired Gary Ballman from Pittsburgh and received several productive seasons from the veteran receiver. Ballman gave the Eagles legitimate value and remained a useful offensive piece after the trade. Pittsburgh, however, received Earl Gros, Bruce Van Dyke, and the 1967 third-round pick used on Rockne Freitas, creating a broader package with more long-term value.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Gary Ballman
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Earl Gros
- player Bruce Van Dyke
- pick 1967 third round pick (#73- Rockne Freitas / Rocky Freitas )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On 1967-03-14, Philadelphia Eagles received Gary Ballman, while Pittsburgh Steelers received Earl Gros, Bruce Van Dyke, and 1967 third round pick (#73-Rockne Freitas / Rocky Freitas). The 1967 draft trail identifies the third-round choice that accompanied Gros and Van Dyke in the exchange. The exchange is best judged by what those assets actually became for the acquiring clubs, rather than by the apparent size of each package on the day of the deal.
What Philadelphia Eagles Got
Philadelphia did receive real value from Gary Ballman. He remained a productive receiver for the Eagles for several seasons, so the trade was not one-sided even though Pittsburgh accumulated the deeper package. That outcome gives the Philadelphia Eagles side a clear basis for its C+ grade. The value here is tied to real roster contribution, draft conversion, durability and the length of time the acquired assets helped the club. Short stays and assets that never reached the field count far less than multi-season production.
What Pittsburgh Steelers Got
Pittsburgh's best return was guard Bruce Van Dyke, who developed into a long-term starter and earned Pro Bowl recognition in 1973. The Steelers also received Earl Gros and the 73rd pick, used on Rockne Freitas. That result supports a B grade for Pittsburgh Steelers. The comparison also accounts for timing: immediate production can matter even when it does not last, while draft capital becomes especially valuable when it turns into a long-term starter or when the player sent away performs at a high level for years.
Final Verdict
The final judgment is Pittsburgh Steelers Win. The decisive factor is the gap in realized football value between the two returns, not simply the number of names or picks exchanged. Philadelphia Eagles earns a C+, while Pittsburgh Steelers earns a B. The result reflects the full historical arc of the players and selections involved and leaves room for useful short-term contributions on the losing side without treating them as equal to the stronger long-term return.