The Pittsburgh Steelers are making another free agent signing, their first outside free agent addition since the first week of free agency. The team is reportedly expected to sign linebacker Genard Avery to a one-year contract. He played last season for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Former #Eagles LB Genard Avery is expected to sign with the #Steelers on a one-year deal, source said.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 28, 2022
Avery was originally drafted in the 5th round by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. He started 12 games last season for the Eagles, but had a missed tackle percentage of 12.2%. He recorded 43 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, and 1 sack last season.
The Browns traded Avery to the Eagles for a 2021 4th round draft pick in 2019. He made a position switch with the Eagles from defensive end to linebacker in their 4-3 defense for the 2021 season. He was able to be semi-productive but doesn't seem to have the tangibles to be effective in coverage.
Some might remember Avery from his strip sack (which was intercepted by Joe Schobert) on Ben Roethlisberger during opening week of the 2018 NFL season.
Avery had a fantastic rookie season under Gregg Williams in Cleveland, where he amassed 4.5 sacks over 684 snaps as an overachieving speed rusher coming off the edge. He was thought to be an up and coming player for 2019. Even though he started 12 games for the Eagles, he only played 31% of the snaps.
On a positive note, Avery can be a special teams contributor. He played 98 snaps on special teams last season for the Eagles and likely will find his home there for the Steelers.
The Atlanta Falcons visited with Avery last week, but they decided to not offer him a contract.
Watch Avery's highlights here.
#SteelerNation
