The Pittsburgh Steelers began their rookie minicamp on Friday, which includes incoming rookies selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, undrafted free agents, and some veterans looking for an opportunity to stay afloat in the NFL. Anthony Averett was one veteran the Steelers brought in for a tryout, and he impressed as he signed with the team on Sunday and will be training camp in Latrobe vying for a roster spot.
Averett entered the league back in 2018 as a fourth round selection by the Baltimore Ravens. He has since spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. In 2023, he was with the 49ers and Lions, but saw no action as he was on their practice squads the entire season. Pro Football Talk was the first to break the news about Averett signing with Pittsburgh.
Averett last played in an NFL game in 2022 with the Raiders, starting six games. He also started seven games during his time in Baltimore from 2018 through 2020. He has tallied 114 total tackles, three interceptions, and 23 passes defensed throughout his career. The Steelers cornerback room could use some experienced depth, which Averett provides and should give him a decent shot at making the final roster.
Steelers Give Averett A Good Chance To Make An NFL Roster Again
Averett has a great chance to be playing in an NFL game for the first time since the 2022 season. The Steelers are currently relying on inexperienced second year players at the cornerback position in Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr., Rush has played minimally and Trice Jr. suffered a season ending injury during training camp in 2023.
The Steelers acquired Donte Jackson from the Carolina Panthers in the Diontae Johnson trade, and he will likely start opposite Joey Porter Jr. Behind those two is where fans may get nervous, and the two second year players with little to no experience are the primary backups. Pittsburgh also selected Ryan Watts in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, who could see some time at safety. The Steelers also desperately need a slot corner, which Averett has barely played throughout his career.
Aside from the top two starters in the cornerback room, there is a lot of concern at the position in Pittsburgh. There are still some quality free agents available, but as it stands now, Averett's experience should give him a decent advantage at making the final roster.
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