Jets Country

Jets Trade Avery Williamson to Steelers

The New York Jets traded linebacker Avery Williamson to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, another move for draft picks ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline

Max Goodman

From the league's worst (0-8) to the NFL's last remaining undefeated team (7-0).

The Jets have traded veteran linebacker Avery Williamson to the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers. It's the latest move for New York as the winless club continues to sell ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.

In return for Williamson and a 2022 seventh-round pick, the Jets will receive a 2022 fifth-rounder from Pittsburgh. The team confirmed the deal on Monday morning.

Williamson led the Jets defense with nine total tackles Sunday afternoon in a 35-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 28-year-old was in the midst of his second season with the Jets after missing the entirety of last season with a torn ACL.

Across seven games this year, Williamson has 59 tackles, three pass deflections and one interception. He picked off a tipped pass from Arizona's Kyler Murray in Week 5.

READ: Jets' Sam Darnold Brushes Off Injury Scare, Right Shoulder Feels 'Fine'

The linebacker isn't the first member of the Jets to be dealt ahead of this week's deadline. 

New York has already shipped defensive tackle Steve McLendon to the Buccaneers and defensive end Jordan Willis to San Francisco, both for future draft picks over the last few weeks. This, of course, is on the heels of the recent decision to release running back Le’Veon Bell. The Jets also traded safety Jamal Adams to Seattle before this season began.

Winless through eight games, undoubtedly salivating over a chance to secure the first overall selection in the NFL Draft, don't be surprised if Jets general manager Joe Douglas makes a few more moves before Tuesday's deadline.

Williamson took to Instagram hours after news of the trade circulated on Sunday evening. The linebacker posted a picture in full uniform, standing on the sidewalk in New York City, appearing to hail a cab.

"Next stop...Pittsburgh," he wrote.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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