Cornerback Anthony Averett, with five NFL seasons under his belt, boasts a considerable amount of experience, having participated in 51 regular-season games and three playoff matchups. However, due to his absence from play last season, the former Alabama defensive standout found himself among the 21 tryout players at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie minicamp over the weekend.
Despite the majority of tryout players heading home, Averett’s journey took a different turn as the Steelers announced on Sunday their decision to sign him to a one-year contract. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, marking a significant opportunity for Averett to continue his professional career with the NFL team.
Reflecting on his journey, Averett noted the challenges he faced, particularly injuries that sidelined him during the 2022 season. Despite setbacks, he emphasized his current state of full health and readiness to contribute, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity with the Steelers.
Averett’s NFL tenure began when he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. Initially serving as a reserve during his first three seasons, Averett gradually increased his defensive snaps, culminating in a starting role during the 2021 season following an injury to Marcus Peters. His performance during this period earned him recognition and a lucrative contract offer in free agency.
However, Averett’s journey took a challenging turn with injuries plaguing his subsequent seasons, leading to brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions. Despite the setbacks, Averett’s signing with the Steelers signifies a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his skills in a cornerback-needy team. With Pittsburgh’s cornerback depth in question, Averett’s wealth of experience offers a valuable asset to the team’s defensive unit, underscoring the significance of his addition to the roster.