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REPORT: Cardinals trade for Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert to build poor offensive line

The Cardinals had the league's worst offensive line last season.
Credit: AP
FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2017, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (77) blocks as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. Gilbert is back from a four-game suspension. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Arizona Cardinals made a much-needed move Friday in trading for Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert in exchange for a late 6th-round pick, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Gilbert is 31 years old and was a second-round pick in 2011. He was the right tackle on the No. 1-ranked offensive line in football last year, according to Pro Football Focus, but he started in just five games due to injuries. 

The Arizona Cardinals had the worst offensive line in football in 2018, giving up 52 sacks, 109 QB hits and paving the way for the worst rushing average at 3.8 yards per carry. 

The woes on the offensive line led to the Cardinals finishing last in total offense, first downs and points per game last season.

Clearly the team is aware and committed to building up the offensive line, aware that a high-powered Kliff Kingsbury offense can't exist without some protection up front. 

The trade here for Gilbert may take some pressure off management to draft an offensive lineman in the early rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. 

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