Credit: The Record-USA TODAY Sports
It looks like the Steelers have a linebacker for the rest of 2020.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might be sitting at 7-0, but there are concerns about their overall depth at inside linebacker. Those concerns might officially be over as the last undefeated team looks to prove they’re the team to beat in the AFC.
According to the New York Daily News Manish Mehta, the New York Jets have agreed to terms to send linebacker Avery Williamson to the Steelers for a future pick. The final deal will be Williamson and a 2022 seventh-rounder will head to the Steel City while the Jets will receive a 2022 fifth-round pick.
Williamson, who missed all of the 2019 season with a torn ACL, has recovered nicely as one of the few bright spots for gang green in 2020. As the leader of the defense, the 28-year-old middle linebacker has collected 50 tackles, three pass deflections and an interception in six games this season. The Jets were rumored to be willing to part ways with him for the right price.
Is this a good fit for the Steelers?
The Steelers defense has been a top-tier unit throughout the first half of the season. However, the team was missing a cover linebacker the past two weeks after the terrible news surrounding Devin Bush. Bush, the team’s first-round pick from 2019, suffered a torn ACL in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns and will miss the remainder of the season.
This is a slam dunk move by Kevin Colbert and the Steelers’ front office. Williamson, who’s entering the final year of his three-year extension, plays a very similar role to that of Bush in Keith Butler’s 3-4 system. As a rental, expect him to play well in coverage while helping the front seven contain their status as a top unit against the run.
As for the Jets, let’s just say they’re unloading more cargo before the NFL trade deadline on Nov.3.