Cornerback Anthony Averett, with five seasons in the NFL under his belt, participated in 51 regular-season games and three playoff matchups. However, due to his absence from play last season, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie minicamp as one of the 21 tryout players this weekend.While the other tryout participants are heading home, Averett has secured a spot with the Steelers. The team announced on Sunday that they’ve signed him to a one-year contract, with specific terms undisclosed.
Following a season impacted by injuries in 2022, Averett was listed on the rosters of the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions in 2023 but didn’t see any game time. He had been without a team since the Lions released him from their practice squad on November 14.A fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 draft, Averett spent his initial three seasons primarily as a backup, gradually increasing his defensive snaps from 71 in 2018 to 220 in 2019 and 354 in 2020.
Averett stepped into a starting role in 2021 due to Marcus Peters’ injury early in the season. Across 14 starts, he made notable contributions in Baltimore’s defensive backfield, including three interceptions, which earned him a one-year, $4 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
However, Averett’s 2022 season was marred by injuries, beginning with a broken thumb in the season opener. Although he returned in October, a broken toe sidelined him after six games, leading to him missing the rest of the season. He remained unsigned until August 3, 2023, when he was picked up by the 49ers.
Despite signing with San Francisco, Averett’s stint was short-lived due to landing on injured reserve and subsequently being released with an injury settlement in August. He later joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad for a brief period.
Averett’s arrival at Pittsburgh comes at a time when the team is thin in the cornerback position. With his extensive NFL experience, surpassing that of all other cornerbacks on the Steelers’ roster combined, Averett is poised to make a significant impact.
