The March 1952 completion of the Rams-Eagles exchange left…
The March 1952 completion of the Rams-Eagles exchange left Los Angeles with the rights to Jack "Moose" Myers and Philadelphia's 1953 first-round choice, later used on Donn Moomaw. Philadelphia received Bobby Thomason and the later-named Jack Zilly. Thomason became the transaction's most productive NFL player, giving the Eagles the stronger realized return despite surrendering a premium draft choice.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Rights to Jack 'Moose' Myers
- pick 1953 first-round pick, No. 9 overall, used on Donn Moomaw
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Rights to quarterback Bobby Thomason
- player Jack Zilly
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
This record captures the March 1952 completion stage of an exchange first arranged between the Rams and Eagles earlier that offseason. Los Angeles ended up with the rights to Jack "Moose" Myers and Philadelphia's 1953 first-round selection, the No. 9 choice later used on linebacker Donn Moomaw. Philadelphia received quarterback Bobby Thomason, with Jack Zilly identified as the player to be named later. Contemporary reporting and the 1953 draft transaction history tie those pieces together.
Why Los Angeles Made the Deal
The Rams were only a few months removed from winning the 1951 NFL championship and could afford to think in terms of roster depth and future draft value. A first-round choice gave Los Angeles a premium asset for the following spring, and Myers offered another player whose rights could be folded into an already talented roster. Moomaw became the concrete result of the pick, but he did not develop into the centerpiece that would have justified surrendering Thomason.
What Philadelphia Received
Thomason became the important piece. He took over a major role in Philadelphia's offense and produced multiple strong passing seasons, including a Pro Bowl campaign. Zilly also appeared for the Eagles after spending earlier time with the Rams. Philadelphia therefore converted a future first and Myers into a quarterback who supplied several seasons of meaningful value.
How the Value Developed
Myers' Rams contribution was brief, while Moomaw's NFL career did not approach Thomason's impact. That difference matters more than the apparent prestige of the draft choice when judging the finished football return. The Eagles paid a real price, but they received the best sustained performer in the exchange.
Why the Date Matters
The January agreement and March completion are represented separately in the historical transaction trail. This entry is best understood as the later completion point rather than a wholly unrelated second deal.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia earns the stronger grade because Thomason became the transaction's clearest long-term contributor. Los Angeles secured a first-round pick and additional rights, but the realized production did not match what the Eagles received at quarterback.