Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Avery Williamson (51) chases during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to make one last run to the Super Bowl with Ben Roethlisberger under center, here are three of his former teammates they should bring back.
The Pittsburgh Steelers officially kick off the NFL preseason on Thursday night when they face the Dallas Cowboys in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game. Entering the 2021 league year, the Steelers ensured that they were not making a change at quarterback, as they agreed to terms with veteran Ben Roethlisberger on a restructured contract.
Much like the Green Bay Packers with Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers may very well move on from Roethlisberger after this season. If that is the case, the Steelers should consider reuniting their 2004 first-round pick with these three former teammates to make one final run to the Super Bowl.
3. Avery Williamson
If last season proved anything, it is that you can never have too many linebackers. The Steelers know that all too well, when they lost Devin Bush and Bud Dupree to season-ending injuries. If the Steeler want to reunite with some one on the free agency market, one of the best options on defense is Avery Williamson.
Once Bush tore his ACL, the Steelers made a call to the New York Jets to acquire Williamson in exchange for a 2022 fifth-round draft pick. Williamson had played in seven games with the Jets, where he tallied 59 combined tackles, three defended passes and one interception.
Through eight regular-season games with the Steelers (four starts), Williamson posted 52 tackles (three for loss), two quarterback hits and one sack.
Williamson will not be brought in as a starter, obviously. But he would serve as a solid contingency plan in case an inside linebacker were to go down with an injury. It certainly helps that he would know the defensive scheme and playbook if he were to make a return to the Steelers.