The January 1952 Rams-Eagles agreement sent Jack "Moose"…
The January 1952 Rams-Eagles agreement sent Jack "Moose" Myers and Philadelphia's 1953 first-round pick toward Los Angeles, while Bobby Thomason moved to Philadelphia and Jack Zilly was later identified as the remaining player. The Eagles ultimately received the best performer in Thomason, whose productive run at quarterback outweighed the Rams' first-round selection and Myers in realized NFL value.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Jack 'Moose' Myers
- pick 1953 first-round pick, No. 9 overall, used on Donn Moomaw
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Quarterback Bobby Thomason
- player Jack Zilly
Trade Analysis
What the January Agreement Established
The January 17, 1952 entry represents the original framework of the Rams-Eagles exchange. Los Angeles was positioned to receive Jack "Moose" Myers and Philadelphia's first-round choice in the 1953 draft. Philadelphia received quarterback Bobby Thomason, while Jack Zilly was later identified as the player to be named later. The later March transaction entry completed the remaining rights details, so the two records describe different stages of the same offseason exchange.
Why the Rams Valued the Package
Los Angeles entered 1952 as the defending NFL champion and had one of the league's strongest rosters. Adding a future first-round pick created flexibility beyond the immediate season. That selection became No. 9 overall in 1953 and was used on Donn Moomaw. Myers also gave the Rams another backfield option, though his Los Angeles production was limited.
Why Thomason Changed the Result
Philadelphia got the player who became the transaction's lasting football story. Thomason developed into the Eagles' primary passer and delivered several productive seasons. His 1953 performance earned Pro Bowl recognition, and he remained a significant part of the offense through the middle of the decade. That kind of multi-year quarterback value was especially important in an era with smaller rosters and fewer ways to acquire established passers.
What the Rams Ultimately Got
The first-round selection carried obvious value, but Moomaw did not become a comparable NFL difference-maker. Myers also had only a short Rams stay. Los Angeles therefore won the headline draft asset without converting it into equivalent on-field production.
Why the Two Entries Should Be Read Together
The January record is the agreement stage; the March record is the completion stage. Treating them that way preserves the historical chronology without pretending two independent blockbusters occurred.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia wins the realized-value comparison. Thomason's sustained quarterback play was more consequential than the Rams' eventual return from Myers and the No. 9 selection.