The Steelers trimmed their roster to the league-mandated 53 players prior to today's deadline of 4 p.m., and they also made a trade with the Cleveland Browns to add depth to the secondary.
The Browns sent cornerback Justin Gilbert, once the eighth overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, to Pittsburgh in exchange for the Steelers' sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Meet the 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster as of Saturday, September 3.
Gilbert, who played his college football at Oklahoma State, appeared in 23 games for the Browns with three starts during his two seasons in Cleveland. He had 29 tackles, nine passes defensed, and one interception, which he returned 23 yards for a touchdown.
The trade will become final provided Gilbert passes a physical examination, and assuming he does pass the exam, Gilbert will join a 53-man roster that currently includes four other cornerbacks – Will Gay, Artie Burns, Senquez Golson, and Stephon Tuitt. The inclusion of Golson on the initial 53-man roster indicates the Steelers are considering him as a possibility to be the guy to fill the IR-designated-to-return role. To do so, Golson will have to remain on the 53-man roster for 24 hours.
As for the other moves, the Steelers released wide receivers Demarcus Ayers, Cobi Hamilton, and Marcus Tucker; running backs Brandon Brown-Dukes, and Cameron Stingily; offensive linemen Shahbaz Ahmed, Antoine Everett, Matt Feiler, and Wade Hansen; cornerbacks Montell Garner, Doran Grant, Al-Hajj Shabazz, and Donald Washington; defensive linemen Lavon Hooks, Caushaud Lyons, and Johnny Maxey; linebackers Travis Feeney, Steven Johnson, and Jermauria Rasco; quarterback Bryn Renner; and safety Ray Vinopal.
The Steelers also waived/injured tight end Paul Lang.
Running back Le'Veon Bell will be placed on the Reserve/Suspended By Commissioner list at 4 p.m. today.
The Steelers can sign up to 10 practice squad players after 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 4.
