The New York Jets traded linebacker Avery Williamson to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday.
In addition to acquiring Williamson, the Steelers got the Jets’ 2022 seventh-round draft pick. New York now has the Steelers’ 2022 fifth-round draft pick.
In his press conference on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin gave his reasoning for wanting Williamson in Pittsburgh.
“I met [Williamson] at Bud Dupree‘s Pro Day after his rookie year in the NFL,” Tomlin said. “There was a lot of down time during the course of that day, and we kind of gravitated toward one another. His passion for football comes through in general conversation. He’s a football lover, a football junkie. I followed him throughout the course of his NFL career because of that.”
Tomlin also explained that Williamson’s time with the Titans earlier in his career exposed him to a system of defense much like that of the Steelers.
“For the long-term, we have a vision of him being a third inside linebacker, a guy who’s position flexible, a guy who’s capable of supporting [Spillane] and [Williams], and being available if anything should happen to either,” Tomlin said.
The linebacker was thrilled, to say the least, when he got the news that he would be going to Pittsburgh.
He took to social media to express his excitement and talk to some Steelers fans.
On Instagram, Williamson posted a photo of himself in his full Jets uniform hailing a cab in New York City.
He also went live on Instagram while he was headed to the airport.
“I need me a Super Bowl, Pittsburgh,” Williamson said during the Instagram live session. “I couldn’t even sleep last night. I’m hype. I’m a baller, now. I can’t wait to be part of this defense. We’re gonna go crazy, man.”
The former Jets linebacker is making the transition from a team that is currently 0-8 to the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL.
The Steelers currently have some big shoes to fill at the linebacker position. With Devin Bush out for the season with a torn ACL, they now have a few options to rotate into the lineup.
Robert Spillane has been a solid replacement for the time being. In Sunday’s game, Spillane recorded 11 solo tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception for a touchdown.
Williamson can definitely bring some extra strength to Pittsburgh’s already intimidating defensive line.
In the first eight games of the 2020 season, Williamson totaled 36 solo tackles and an interception for 21 yards.
Steelers inside linebacker Ulysses Gilbert has been placed on the injured reserve list with a back injury. He will be out for at least three weeks.
This opens up more space for Williamson to possibly get some snaps in his early days as a Pittsburgh Steeler.
Featured Image Courtesy of Bleacher Report.
You can ‘Like’ The Game Haus on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Paige!
“From Our Haus to Yours“
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
