Los Angeles acquired defensive back Kermit Alexander and the…
Los Angeles acquired defensive back Kermit Alexander and the 1970 second-round pick used on Donnie Williams from San Francisco for kicker Bruce Gossett. Alexander started all 28 Rams games over two seasons and intercepted seven passes, giving Los Angeles strong short-term value. Williams contributed little, while Gossett became San Francisco’s kicker for five seasons and made 99 field goals. The 49ers’ longer, playoff-era return earns a narrow win.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Kermit Alexander
- pick 1970 second round pick (#35-Charles Williams / Charlie Williams / Donnie Williams)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Bruce Gossett
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Los Angeles acquired veteran defensive back Kermit Alexander and a 1970 second-round draft choice from San Francisco on January 27, 1970, while the 49ers received kicker Bruce Gossett. Draft records identify the Rams’ pick as No. 35 overall, used on Prairie View A&M receiver Donnie Williams. Unlike many low-value historical swaps, this deal produced meaningful contributors for both clubs.
What Los Angeles Received
Alexander was immediately valuable. He started all 14 games for the Rams in 1970 and all 14 again in 1971, shifting from cornerback to strong safety. Across those two seasons he intercepted seven passes and returned two for touchdowns. That is a substantial two-year return from the veteran portion of the package. The draft component added far less. Williams, the 35th overall selection, appeared in only five games for Los Angeles and caught one pass for nine yards. The Rams therefore received one strong asset and one largely unproductive premium pick.
What San Francisco Received
Gossett became the 49ers’ regular kicker for five consecutive seasons from 1970 through 1974. He made 21 field goals in 1970, 23 in 1971, 18 in 1972, 26 in 1973 and 11 in 1974, a total of 99. He also served during a successful stretch in which San Francisco reached the postseason in three straight seasons from 1970 through 1972. A dependable five-year specialist is significant realized value, particularly when the asset surrendered included a second-round pick.
Final Verdict
Both teams benefited, so the grade gap should be small. Los Angeles received two high-quality seasons from Alexander, but the second-round pick added almost nothing. San Francisco received five full seasons from Gossett and sustained value during a playoff run. That longer return narrowly outweighs Alexander’s stronger short-term impact. The 49ers earn B+ and the Rams B, producing a slight San Francisco win rather than the larger Rams advantage previously assigned.