NFL vet earns his spot on Steelers roster after proving to be a man amongst boys

The Steelers signed defensive back Anthony Averett to a one-year contract.

Averett, a six-year veteran, took part in the Steelers rookie minicamp over the weekend on a tryout basis and was signed afterwards.

Averett has appeared in 51 career games, with 27 starts. He has 114 total tackles, 99 of them solo stops, three career interceptions and 23 passes defended.

Averett was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, spending his first four seasons there. He appeared in 44 games for the Ravens, starting 21. He recorded 101 tackles, 22 passes defensed and three interceptions while in Baltimore.

-Teresa Varley, Steelers 

A more than capable starter who is still in his 20's, the reason that Averett was relegated to a minicamp tryout was not because of his play, but due to injuries. Luckily for him, he finally is feeling good again:

"I had a couple of injuries my last two years," said Averett during rookie minicamp. "I'm finally fully healthy and I'm definitely in shape. I've got plenty of juice left.

This signing checks a box that Pittsburgh needed, seeing as he is a slot CB, arguably the biggest positional need on the Steelers' defense. His signing was even a part of our pre-minicamp predictions:

Averett has a well-documented history with Pittsburgh, playing multiple seasons with division rival Baltimore. But out of every UDFA, invitee and veteran invited to rookie minicamp, you can argue that Averett has the best chance of making the team. His proven production, experience and enough youth would make him an excellent addition to the slot corner room. -Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports

It was a solid signing for the team and another former Raven that Pittsburgh has added to their roster this offseason.