WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Steelers are set to sign linebacker Genard Avery, according to a report, adding another edge rusher to their arsenal.
According to Adam Caplan, who first reported the deal, it is a one-year contract.
Avery, 26, is a former fifth-round draft pick of the Browns in 2018. He has spent the past three seasons with the 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 (6-foot, 250 pounds) has played both inside and outside linebacker in his career. The Memphis product has appeared in 57 career games, making 17 starts, including 12 last season for the Eagles. He had 43 tackles and one sack for Philadelphia last season.
The Eagles acquired him from the Browns in 2019 for a fourth-round draft pick at the trade deadline.
His best season came as a rookie in 2018, when he started five games for the Browns, recording 40 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four pass defenses that season.
Avery ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2018.
Avery figures to compete with Derrek Tuszka for outside linebacker snaps with the Steelers behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. He also can play inside linebacker, where he would be a backup to Devin Bush and recently acquired Myles Jack.
The Steelers have been quite active in free agency. Including Jack, Avery would make the seventh outside free agent signed by the team, joining quarterback Mitch Trubisky, offensive linemen James Daniels and Mason Cole, cornerback Levi Wallace, return man Gunner Olszewski.
The team remains in the market for a starting strong safety and perhaps a veteran wide receiver.
"I feel good about what we have but we’re still in the process of acquiring talent, so we’re going to leave all of our options open at those positions, and others as well," Mike Tomlin said.
