The Pittsburgh Steelers signed DeShon Elliott, a former Baltimore Ravens safety, early in free agency. On May 12, the Steelers acquired another defensive back from their archrival, cornerback Anthony Averett.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper, the Steelers signed Averett to a one-year contract after he worked out “on a tryout basis” at rookie minicamp.
On May 12, the Steelers confirmed Averett’s one-year deal in an article on the team’s official website.
Averett was taken by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons in Baltimore, making 21 starts.
Averett started a career-high 14 Ravens games in 2021. That season, he recorded 54 total tackles, 11 pass defenses, and three interceptions.
Averett had time with the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions last season, but he did not appear in any regular-season games.
The Averett signing is the Steelers’ fourth significant acquisition this offseason that included a former Ravens player. In addition to Averett and Elliott, the Steelers signed veteran Baltimore linebacker Patrick Queen and claimed edge rusher Jeremiah Moon on waivers this offseason.
Steelers Sign Former Ravens CB Anthony Averett
With Averett, the Steelers gain more experienced cornerback depth.
Averett has played 51 NFL games, starting 27 of them. Of those starts, 20 have occurred in the last three years.
Averett left the Ravens after his fourth season and joined the Las Vegas Raiders. In 2022, he played in seven Raiders games, starting six of them. He had 13 combined tackles and one pass defense in 279 defensive snaps.
Averett has played numerous positions over his career, including outside, slot, and safety. However, according to Pro Football Focus, he has spent the great majority of his defensive snaps as an outside cornerback.
Averett also averaged 91.25 special teams snaps over his four seasons with the Ravens.
Averett received no playing time with the 49ers or Lions last season. But the veteran fought with injuries, like he did in 2022, missing 10 games.
“I had a couple of injuries my last two years,” Averett told Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley during rookie minicamp. “I’m finally healthy and in shape. I have lots of juice left.
How Averett Potential Fits With Steelers
Few veterans who need a tryout during rookie minicamp make the final NFL roster. However, Averett appears to have a good chance of playing time with the Steelers.
Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson are expected to be Pittsburgh’s starting cornerbacks this summer. Aside from those two, the Steelers’ cornerback situation remains uncertain.
Youngsters Darius Rush, sixth-round pick Ryan Watts, and undrafted rookie Bernie Bishop Jr. have generated some interest. Last year, there was a lot of hype surrounding 2023 seventh-round pick Cory Trice Jr., but he sustained a season-ending injury during training camp.
However, all four of these players are unproven commodities. Averett provides less upside but potentially greater steadiness, particularly if he remains healthy. Averett may also help on special teams, outside, and at the nickel corner.
Averett has 114 combined tackles in 51 NFL games, one of which was for loss. He has also registered 23 pass defenses and three interceptions.
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