Former Eagles linebacker signs one-year deal with Steelers

According to Adam Caplan, former Eagles linebacker Genard Avery is signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Avery had been visiting other teams over the past week, including the Atlanta Falcons. 

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

Losing Avery was an expected move following the signing of Haason Reddick, and he would’ve been relegated to a backup role if he returned to Philly.

The Eagles moved Avery from the defensive line to outside linebacker this past season, which wasn’t the best fit. Jonathan Gannon placed him on the line-of-scrimmage as a standup Sam/Will in a 3-4 hybrid defense.

Recording just 30 tackles and one sack over 17 games, it was clear Philadelphia needed an upgrade.

Avery isn’t a bad player, and it was his first season at a new position in the NFL. He’s not a starting-caliber player, but an opportunity with a new team like Pittsburgh may allow him to develop.

The Eagles acquired Avery from the Cleveland Browns at the 2019 trade deadline in exchange for a 2021 4th-round draft pick. Between their tight salary cap situation alongside a need to bring back other key players, re-signing him back never made much sense.

Several other Eagles departed the team this offseason, most notably Alex Singleton, who signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos.

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