Multiple players that suited up for Tampa Bay in 2022 have moved on to different teams throughout the offseason. That list includes former contributors such as safety Mike Edwards (Chiefs), cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (Titans), defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (Giants), and wide receiver Scotty Miller (Falcons).
On Thursday, another former Buccaneer joined the group of players to land elsewhere with the Indianapolis Colts announcing that they've signed outside linebacker Genard Avery. The Colts released running back Darius Hagans to make room for Avery on the roster.
Tampa Bay brought in Avery toward the conclusion of training camp after he was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He ended up spending a stint on the practice squad prior to being promoted to the active roster for the team's
Avery ended up appearing in nine of Tampa Bay's final 12 regular-season games. The majority of his contributions came on special teams as he recorded five tackles, one tackle for loss, and a sack. Avery totaled a season-high two tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack during the Buccaneers' 16-13 victory against the Los Angeles Rams in November.
The former Memphis star is moving on to the fifth team of his professional career. He was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. After recording a career-high 4.5 sacks as a rookie, his role diminished the following season and Avery was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Avery was limited by injuries in 2020 but developed into a starter for the Eagles in 2021. That year, he started a career-high 12 games in 16 appearances and totaled 43 tackles, four tackles for loss, and one sack.
In total, he's appeared in 62 games, with 17 starts, and recorded 106 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, five pass deflections, and 29 quarterback hits.
Though he's bounced around somewhat to this point of his career, Avery has the talent to stick at the NFL level. It's possible that he carves out a role on an Indianapolis squad this is rebuilding under a new head coach and a rookie quarterback.
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