Maybe linebacker is falling back on the Steelers' NFL Draft needs.
That could be the case as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Wednesday that the team would bring back linebacker Vince Williams on a new contract:
The Steelers are re-signing linebacker Vince Williams, per sources. He had other offers but wanted to stay in Pittsburgh.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 14, 2021
Williams was released by the Steelers on March 16. The move created $4 million in salary cap space and helped the Steelers create the room needed to sign players in free agency and have space to sign their draft picks this year.
It was clear that the Steelers valued Williams, as he was the second-most tenured player on their defense behind Cam Heyward. Williams made a name for himself filling in as a starter after injuries decimated the Steelers' linebacker room in 2013. As a rookie sixth-round draft pick, Williams became an important depth piece on the defense who played next to linebackers picked in the first round like Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier and Devin Bush.
His role as the buck-style linebacker in the Steelers' 3-4 defense made him a solid blitzing linebacker up the middle. His best season came in 2017 when he recorded 89 tackles, 8.5 sacks and became the first Steelers defender to intercept Tom Brady since Chris Hope did it in 2004.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Williams established himself as a leader in the Steelers' locker room. Fourth-year linebacker Robert Spillane even said as much after he re-signed with the Steelers, noting that one of the biggest challenges in 2021 would be replacing the energy Williams brought to the defense.
But with Williams back, that won't be a problem. He can get back to being the physical presence in the middle of the defense who knows best how to work pre-snap adjustments. This could also impact the Steelers' plans to draft a linebacker, as their roster suggested Kevin Colbert could make a move in the early rounds to address his depth chart.
That looks further away now with Williams back.