(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Avery Williamson is going from worst to first after being traded by the Jets to the Steelers last night. The trade was made official by the team this morning. The Steelers will also receive the Jets seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and the Jets will get their fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
To no surprise, Williamson is excited to leave the 0-8 Jets and join the 7-0 Steelers, the lone undefeated team remaining in the league. With the Steelers off to a great start, Super Bowl aspirations are certainly within grasps if they remain on track. Williamson hopes to help the Steelers reach that goal.
“I need me a Super Bowl, Pittsburgh," Williamson said in an Instagram live video that he posted this morning. "I couldn’t even sleep last night. I’m hype. I’m a baller, now. I’m ready to go hit shit, man. I can’t wait to be part of this defense. We’re gonna go crazy, man.”
Williamson joins Robert Spillane at inside linebacker in trying to replace Devin Bush, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury against the Browns in Week 6. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers traded Williamson to improve their depth and provide an experienced backup for Spillane and they have no immediate plans to replace Spillane as the starter.
Williamson, 28, in 85 career games has recorded 546 total tackles (350 solos), 14.5 sacks, 26 tackles for a loss, 25 quarterback hits, 17 passes defended, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Williamson had 59 total tackles (36 solos), three passes defended and an interception in six games with the Jets this season before being traded to the Steelers.