In a somewhat shocking move, the Pittsburgh Steelers have traded for the enigmatic Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert.
Steelers Acquire Cornerback Justin Gilbert
The eighth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Gilbert has made only three starts while collecting 41 tackles and one interception—albeit for a touchdown. Early reports indicate the Steelers will be shipping a sixth round pick in 2018 for the talented, yet troubled, cornerback.
Pittsburgh ranked 30th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game in 2015, giving up an average of 272 yards a game through the air. To help solidify their secondary, the Steelers spent their first and second round picks in the 2016 draft on secondary help—Artie Burns and Sean Davis. Considering today’s trade, it’s obvious the Steelers’ brass still feel it has work to do.
A talented player, Justin Gilbert presents secondary coach Carnell Lake and defensive coordinator Keith Butler another athletic corner to utilize on Sunday.
This trade also presents a win-win option for Steelers management. If Gilbert blossoms under Keith Butler’s tutelage, they will have scored an ace for a relatively low cost. And if he flops, they will have used a 2018 sixth round pick.
Gilbert’s talent is obvious, but it remains to be seen if he can pull it all together on the field.
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