Steelers trade with division rival to acquire CB Justin Gilbert

The Cleveland Browns continue to wipe their slate clean in 2016, saying goodbye to another player whom was considered to be a future brick in the foundation of the team’s seemingly endless quest to turn their fortunes around.

Former Browns CB Justin Gilbert, who some say never lived up to being the 8th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The Cleveland Browns once again became an unlikely trade partner, as NFL franchises rarely swap players with division rivals. Yet, the Steelers gave up next-to-nothing for the top corner taken in 2014 for a sixth-round draft, surrendering a sixth round pick in 2018.

The move completes a day filled with other trades which trimmed NFL rosters to the required 53 players.

Gilbert has been a major disappointment almost from the moment he began with the Browns: he started in just three games over two seasons and appearances in 23 games total.

Locker room reports state that Gilbert never seemed to mesh with his teammates on, or off, the field. On the field, he 24-year-old made only one interception (2014) and never delivered on the big-play potential he showed after starring at Oklahoma State.

However, he shows signs of raw talent; when used on kick returns, he has an average 28.3 yards per return. That can’t be discounted, as the Steelers have been searching for a return specialist for several seasons.

Could Gilbert end their search?

Regardless, with the Steelers lacking in defensive backfield depth, the hope is the change of scenery, and better coaching, will turn things around for Gilbert. One thing is clear, Coach Tomlin is known for cultivating a climate with the players of accountability on and off the field. He won’t tolerate any less.

Coming to a team with an uncertain secondary picture, filled with other young players, could allow this young player to shine as well.

For, Justin, this will be a fresh start in his NFL career.

ESPN senior reporter Adam Schefter first broke the news of the Browns’ decision to deal their former first-round pick, via Twitter. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the details of the trade.

As mentioned, the cost for Gilbert was affordable: the Steelers gave up a sixth-round pick to acquire the corner. The hope is, this trade works out better than previous trades, such as Brandon Boykin and Josh Scobee. Hopefully, Gilbert will embrace his new team, and want to show them what better coaching can do. Lets face it, he will need to fight to keep his job; though Gilbert enters a weak depth chart, he will still contend with Pittsburgh’s 1st round pick, rookie CB Artie Burns, and the versatile Sean Davis, the Steelers 2nd round pick who plays both safety and cornerback if needed.

Per Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Justin Gilbert will make $1.5 million in 2016 and $2.2 million in 2017. Since he was a top 10 pick in 2014, he has $2.1 million guaranteed per the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Should Gilbert mesh with the Steelers, he may be another inexpensive long-term answer, along with Burns and Davis.

In other words, first round value for a future sixth round pick: that could be an incredible value if it works out.

Here’s hoping this is another genius move by Kevin Colbert. He’s been known to have them.