Steelers Acquire Avery Williamson
PITTSBURGH- The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprise move Sunday night by acquiring Linebacker Avery Williamson from the New York Jets along with a 7th round pick in 2022. In exchange, the Steelers will give up a 5th round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Drafted by the Tennessee Titans back in 2014, Williamson missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Prior to the injury, the former Kentucky Wildcat ranked 5th in the NFL for total run stops (154). So far in 2020, Williamson is second on the Jets in tackles with 50 and has also had an interception.
When LB Devin Bush was lost for the season, the Steelers began shopping for a viable replacement. Robert Spillane, who had a pick-6 to open up Sunday’s scoring against the Ravens, has done a very good job filling in thus far and looks to remain in that position for the rest of the season.
It will be interesting to see what Keith Butler has in store for the newest member of the NFL’s top ranked defensive unit. The Steelers have been struggling as of late against the run. Williamson, who has been predominantly known as a run stopper throughout his career, gives the team some much needed depth in the middle of the front seven.
Williamson had reportedly reworked his contract with the Jets prior to the trade. So, the Steelers will only be on the hook for about 1.45 million this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2021.
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