Pittsburgh Steelers

Cleveland Browns trade Justin Gilbert to Pittsburgh Steelers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Justin Gilbert went from rags to riches in the latest NFL trade.

Cornerback Justin Gilbert will be receiving a fresh start in his NFL career. He has been traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick in a divisional swap. ESPN insider Adam Schefter broke the news of the Browns’ decision to deal their former first-round pick. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the details of the trade.

Gilbert was selected eighth overall by the Browns in the 2014 draft. The former Oklahoma State cornerback has severely underwhelmed throughout the start of his career. The Browns were hoping to form a deadly cornerback duo with Pro Bowler Joe Haden on the other side. However, new Browns head coach Hue Jackson would not even guarantee Gilbert a roster spot for the 2016 season.

Meanwhile, the Steelers continue to be in need of secondary help. They made this clear when they spent their first two draft picks on cornerback Artie Burns and safety Sean Davis. Davis offers versatility since he can play at both safety and cornerback, but Gilbert will add much-needed depth.

Although Gilbert has performed far below expectations, a change of scenery may be just what he needs to boost his career. The Steelers enter the 2016 season with serious Super Bowl aspirations, but they will still have to answer many questions on defense. Their secondary has not been the same since losing safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor.

The Browns are known for producing many unsuccessful careers, but the Steelers have consistently produced a winning culture. Gilbert will benefit from playing on a team that has been well-coached by Mike Tomlin. He will have to prove that he can improve his underwhelming play, though.