The Pittsburgh Steelers have defied all rival laws and made a trade with the Cleveland Browns, one of their AFC North rivals.
The Steelers traded for former Browns’ cornerback Justin Gilbert. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Steelers sent a 2018 NFL Draft sixth-round draft pick to the Browns.
Gilbert was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Browns with the 18th overall pick. According to Cleveland.com, Browns’ head coach Hue Jackson noted that Gilbert didn’t have an automatic place on the roster and would be evaluated fairly.
“Justin did some things better (this preseason),” Jackson said. “Everything has an opportunity to be evaluated, everything that every player’s done. Our goal and our job is to make sure that we keep the best players here.”
“Do I think he’s improved? Yeah,” Jackson continued. “Are we going to sit down and evaluate and talk through every opportunity that a young man has had and we can see where they fit for our football team? We’re going to do that also.”
Gilbert hasn’t had the prettiest of careers with the Browns. He appeared in 14 games for the Browns in his first season, starting two games. In 14 games, Gilbert recorded 29 tackles and one interception, which he ran back for a touchdown.
His sophomore year was less than impressive. Gilbert appeared in nine games, starting only one game. He recorded 10 tackles- all solo tackles- and no interceptions. His season was plagued with injuries.
On the injury aspect, Gilbert apparently suffered a concussion against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Browns preseason Week 3 game on Aug. 26. The Browns have not noted how serious the concussion is or ever listed a possible return to the field.
Gilbert will join William Gay, Artie Burns and the rest of the secondary. However, time will tell if Gilbert will be available for the Steelers’ season opener against the Washington Redskins on Sept. 12.
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