5 free agent linebackers Steelers could sign to replace Vince Williams

Steelers could re-sign Williamson

Another name that makes a lot of sense given the fact he played for the Steelers last year, Avery Williamson could be on his way back to Pittsburgh. The team traded for Williamson after suffering a rash of injuries at the inside linebacker position. Despite coming over midseason, Williamson appeared in eight total games and started four of them. While his play was far from dynamic, he was a steady presence in the middle of the field.

Williamson would return to the Steelers with some familiarity on defense as well. He should know the playbook pretty well and could slide back into the role he served last year. If he was signed, Spillane would still be the top option not named Bush, but Williamson would be there to push him as well as rotate in to give both of the starters a breather.

Considering he hasn’t been signed yet, his deal should come in rather cheaply. More than likely, he would sign for the minimum. Cheap veteran depth is never a bad thing, and Williamson knows the teams’ defense well enough that he wouldn’t need much of a transition period. At just over 29, he shouldn’t be in line to regress much yet, meaning that he could be an instant depth piece and starter if need be.