Avery Williamson has awesome message to Steelers fans after trade (Video)
One can clearly tell Williamson is Cleary excited to leave the Jets
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the race for the top seed in the AFC. That gap could be closing closer in their favor following a late Sunday night trade.
Pittsburgh acquired linebacker Avery Williamson from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2022 fifth-round pick. The Jets also sent the Steelers a 2022 seventh-round selection to help speed up the process.
Williamson, who’ll leave gang green in the final year of his three-year contract, certainly seems excited to come to Steel City according to his Instagram live video while heading to the airport.
“I can’t wait to be a part of this defense,” Williamson said in the video. “We’re going crazy man. Let’s go Pittsburgh.”
Is Williamson a good fit for the Steel City?
Entering the year, Williamson to Pittsburgh might have seen far-fetched, but injuries put the team in a positional bind. Early last month, second-year linebacker Devin Bush would be ruled out for the year after tearing his ACL against then Cleveland Browns.
Williamson is no where near as talented as a cover backer as the aforementioned Bush, but his veteran skills offer value to a near flawless defense. Since entering the NFL the 28-year-old has logged over 100 tackles in three of his first five seasons. Before the trade, Williamson led the Jets with 56 tackles, three pass deflections and an interception.
Williamson also can be productive in the run game. Going into Sunday, the Steelers posted the second-best run defense, allowing opponents to rush for 68.4 yards or fewer against them. Rookie J.K. Dobbins rushed for 113 yards while the Baltimore Ravens combined for a best 265-yard outing at home.
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No matter viewed as a rental or long-term participant, Williamson is head to a defense that could be the reason Pittsburgh remains undefeated deep into the season. And as for his smile? Well, wouldn’t you be smiling if you were traded from the dumpster that is the Jets to the last undefeated team in the league as well?