Fortifying their inside linebacker depth, the Pittsburgh Steelers have extended the contract of Vince Williams.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers have elected to extend Williams’ contract by three years. The Steelers’ sixth-round draft pick in 2013, Williams has provided solid depth at the inside linebacker position. He started in eleven games alongside Lawrence Timmons in his rookie season when injuries forced him into the lineup.
steelers sign Vince Williams to 3-year contract. smart move. Larry Foote-like ILB
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) August 23, 2016
Pittsburgh normally wraps up contract extensions before week one of the regular season, opting to not deal with them during the year. Offensive lineman David DeCastro was expected to be the first to receive an extension in the preseason.
Williams has only registered half a sack in his three years in Pittsburgh, but he has proven to be invaluable in the Steelers’ defense. With Ryan Shazier‘s constant injuries, he has been there to fill any voids.
The contract extension points towards Williams taking on a larger role in the defense. Timmons’ years on the Steelers’ defense are numbered, and Williams may be called upon to start. Someone like Williams has a perfect opportunity to become a full-time starter in the system.
Overall, this is a smart, and typical Colbert, move by Pittsburgh. They tend to keep the talented individuals they build from the ground up, and Williams is no exception. Once a former later round pick uncertain to make the roster, Williams is in the works to make more of an impact for the Steelers’ defense for years to come.
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Look for Williams to capitalize on his on contract and continue to be a valuable asset in 2016.