Chicago acquired Jesse Whittenton and Bob Carey from the Rams…

The Exchange

In February 1958, the Rams agreed to send defensive back Jesse Whittenton and end Bob Carey to Chicago for veteran tackle Kline Gilbert. The deal changed materially when Gilbert retired rather than report to Los Angeles. Chicago substituted a 1959 fourth-round pick, and the Rams later used No. 44 on John Tracey. That substitution is essential to understanding the exchange: Los Angeles did not actually receive Gilbert's veteran line play.

Chicago Bears Return Return

Chicago's return looked more attractive on paper than it became on the field. Whittenton did not make a regular-season impact for the Bears before being waived and then finding his best football in Green Bay. Carey appeared only briefly for Chicago as injuries curtailed his career. The Bears therefore failed to capture the later reputation attached to Whittenton and received very little direct production from the package.

Los Angeles Rams Return Return

The Rams at least converted Gilbert's retirement into a draft asset instead of being left empty-handed. No. 44 became John Tracey, but Tracey did not develop into a major Rams contributor and was soon included in another transaction. Los Angeles preserved some value through the replacement mechanism, yet it did not turn the substituted pick into a durable win.

Value in Hindsight

This trade is a useful reminder to grade team-specific value rather than full player careers. Whittenton became excellent in Green Bay, not Chicago. Tracey had later NFL value, but little of it accrued directly to the Rams. The clubs mostly exchanged possibilities that benefited other teams later.

Final Verdict

Even Trade is the fairest result at C/C. Chicago received almost no usable return, while Los Angeles salvaged a fourth-round pick but failed to turn it into meaningful direct production. Neither side created enough separation to claim the transaction.