Steelers acquire Avery Williamson from Jets

The New York Jets traded inside linebacker Avery Williamson to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the teams confirmed Monday, according to Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site.

The Jets will send Williamson and their 2022 seventh-round pick in exchange for the Steelers' 2022 fifth-round pick. The deal is pending a physical.

The Steelers need depth at linebacker after losing Devin Bush for the season due to a torn ACL. Pittsburgh has been relying on Vince Williams and Robert Spillane in Bush's absence. Williams is a veteran in his eighth season, and Spillane made his first career start last Sunday.

Williamson has been a consistent force over the middle since entering the NFL. He's recorded 90-plus tackles in four seasons and set a career high in tackles (120) in 2018.

Williamson missed all of the 2019 campaign after tearing his ACL. But he's rebounded this season, tallying 50 tackles thus far.

The Tennessee Titans originally drafted the now 28-year-old in the fifth round in 2014. Williamson played four seasons in Tennessee before signing a three-year deal with the Jets in 2018.

He's set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

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