Pittsburgh traded a future 2014 third-round pick to Cleveland…
Pittsburgh traded a future 2014 third-round pick to Cleveland to move into the 2013 fourth round for safety Shamarko Thomas at No. 111. Thomas spent four seasons with the Steelers but started only twice. Cleveland later used the No. 83 choice as part of its move up for Johnny Manziel, leaving neither side with a durable win from the original exchange.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 2014 3rd round pick (83rd overall, subsequently traded; Louis Nix selected)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 2013 4th round pick (111th overall, Shamarko Thomas )
Trade Analysis
The Deal
On the final day of the 2013 draft, Pittsburgh wanted safety Shamarko Thomas badly enough to trade a future third-round selection to Cleveland for pick No. 111. The Steelers used the fourth-rounder immediately on Thomas, while the Browns banked the 2014 third-round choice that landed at No. 83.
Pittsburgh's Outcome
Thomas was an aggressive, athletic safety who contributed on defense and special teams, but he never developed into a long-term starter. NFL records show only two starts across his four Pittsburgh seasons. That is some roster value from a fourth-round pick, yet not enough production to justify surrendering a future Day 2 selection in hindsight.
Cleveland's Outcome
The Browns appeared to hold the more valuable asset one year later. Instead of making the No. 83 selection, Cleveland included it with pick No. 26 in a trade with Philadelphia to move to No. 22 and select Johnny Manziel. Philadelphia later moved No. 83 again, with Louis Nix eventually selected there. The important point for this transaction is that Cleveland preserved flexibility, but its ultimate use of that flexibility did not create a successful franchise outcome.
Value Over Time
Draft-slot economics favor Cleveland at the moment of the trade because a future third generally carries more value than a fourth. Results pull the evaluation back toward the middle. Thomas was a depth player rather than an answer at safety, while Cleveland's future asset became part of a famously unsuccessful quarterback gamble.
Final Verdict
A C for each side fits. Pittsburgh got limited player value, and Cleveland acquired better draft capital without converting it into durable success.
Shamarko Thomas gave Pittsburgh four seasons but only two starts, while Cleveland gained a future third-round asset that later became part of the Johnny Manziel trade, leaving both sides with meaningful but ultimately limited realized value.