Another day and another New York Jets trade is in. This time, it is linebacker Avery Williamson who is departing the only winless team in the NFL this season.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets have traded Williamson to Pittsburgh Steelers late on Sunday. They will receive a fifth-rounder in 2022 from Steelers while also sending a seven-round 2022 draft pick as part of the exchange.
Despite the deal being close to finalized, Williamson started in the Jets’ 35-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and finished the game with nine tackles.
Williamson also confirmed the deal on social media.
Getting Avery Williamson is a great pickup for Steelers, filling the position of need and adding to an already scary defense. The 28-year-old should step in for 2019’s first-round selection Devin Bush, who went down with a season-ending injury couple of weeks ago.
Jets’ mindset entering the deal was simple. They are going nowhere at this point, with playoffs being well out of their reach, so the organization is trying to get as much draft capital as they can. Williamson is just one of several veterans who left the team in recent weeks, with Steve McLendon, Jordan Willis, and Le’Veon Bell being among the names on the list.
Williamson joined the Jets on a three-year, $22.50 million contract back in 2018. He had a promising campaign in his first season with the organization, getting 120 tackles and 3.0 sacks, but then missed 2019 completely due to an ACL tear.
