Making a move to add a veteran presence to the middle of their defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired linebacker Avery Williamson from the New York Jets on Sunday night, according to multiple national outlets.
According to ESPN, the Steelers are sending a 2022 fifth-round draft pick to the Jets for Williamson and a seventh-round selection in that draft.
In the aftermath of Devin Bush’s season-ending ACL tear, Robert Spillane has made two starts at inside linebacker. He had 10 solo tackles and returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown in the Steelers’ 28-24 victory against the Baltimore Ravens.
Spillane, though, was exposed in coverage against the Ravens on passing downs. His backup, Ulysees Gilbert III, missed the game with a back injury.
Williamson, 28, spent his first four seasons with the Tennessee Titans before signing a three-year, $22.5 million deal with the Jets in 2018. He will become a free agent in March and is making $2.75 million this year. The Steelers would be responsible for about half of his salary.
Williamson made a team-high nine tackles for the Jets in Sunday’s 35-9 loss to the Chiefs.
