Avery Williamson didn’t need to be told twice that he was traded from the winless Jets to the undefeated Steelers. He was ready to go.
After hearing the news, the linebacker posted a photo outside the Fulton Center subway station in New York City, sticking his thumb out for a lift to Pittsburgh.
View this post on InstagramNext stop…Pittsburgh📍#SteelCity #steelers #steelersnation #pittsburgh
A post shared by Avery Williamson (@awilliamson54) on Nov 1, 2020 at 9:17pm PST
Williamson is the latest veteran on the Jets to be dealt before Tuesday’s trade deadline. The Steelers sent a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Jets for Williamson and a 2022 seventh-round pick.
The 28-year-old tore his ACL during the 2019 preseason, missing the entire campaign. But before that in 2018, he started 16 games for New York and recorded 120 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. And so far this season, Williamson has 59 tackles and an interception to his ledger.
Last week, the Jets shed defensive lineman Jordan Willis, sending him and a seventh-round 2021 pick to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick in 2022. The week before that, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers added nose tackle Steve McLendon and a 2023 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2020 sixth rounder.
All those players moved from an 0-8 squad to teams with winning records. But Williamson might’ve had the best jump, joining forces with the 7-0 Steelers.
New Steelers ILB Avery Williamson just went live on his way to the airport: “I need me a Super Bowl, Pittsburgh. I couldn’t even sleep last night. I’m hype. I’m a baller, now. I’m ready to go hit shit, man. I can’t wait to be part of this defense. We’re gonna go crazy, man.” pic.twitter.com/SKnkSF1MgN
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) November 2, 2020
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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