THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, April 8, 1996 TAG: 9604080150
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
The Washington Redskins have called a press conference for this afternoon, at which time they are expected to announce the acquisition of St. Louis Rams defensive lineman Sean Gilbert. In return, the Redskins will give St. Louis their first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the sixth overall.
Gilbert, 6-4, 315 pounds, is a four-year veteran who was elected to the 1993 Pro Bowl and was an alternate for the 1994 game. The third player selected in the 1992 draft, he has 24 career sacks and is expected to boost the Redskins' effectiveness against the rush. Washington was 29th last season in that category.
Although he played end last season in St. Louis, the Redskins will install him at defensive tackle, alongside another ex-Ram, Marc Boutte. One of the reasons Gilbert is said to have approved the trade to Washington is the improvement made by Boutte in his two seasons under Washington defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz.
Gilbert, who turns 26 on Wednesday, has missed just four starts in his career. But he is seeking to overcome knee and shoulder problems that have hampered his performance the last two seasons.
Gilbert's 1996 salary and the pro-rated portion of the original five-year, $7.5 million contract he signed with the Rams come to $1.89 million. However, only $1.25 million will count against the Redskins' cap. The Rams are still responsible for his signing bonus. by CNB