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Nobody saw this one coming. As first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns have traded CB Justin Gilbert to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Browns trading former first-round CB Justin Gilbert to the Pittsburgh Steelers, per league source. Rare in-division trade.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2016
Upon hearing about the trade, former Browns CEO Joe Banner tweeted, “What tape have Steelers been watching?” Gilbert was the Browns’ 8th overall pick in the 2014 draft, the same year that Johnny Manziel was selected in the first round by Cleveland. Gilbert had a disastrous first two years in the NFL, but was given a “clean slate” by new head coach Hue Jackson.
Gilbert saw a lot of work with the first-team defense this camp, but his technique issues were still evident. His attitude had improved, but overall, he did not do enough to make the 53-man roster. Gilbert suffered a concussion during the team’s third preseason game; it’s unclear if he’s been cleared of that injury yet.
UPDATE: The Browns will receive a 6th round pick in the 2018 draft for Gilbert. That means he was about to be cut by Cleveland. Rather than trying to get him on waivers, Pittsburgh jumps the waiver claim order with a trade.
The #Browns traded former first-round CB Justin Gilbert to the #Steelers for a 6th rounder in 2018, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 3, 2016