The Jets are expected to sign linebacker Avery Williamson, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Williamson will earn $22.5MM over three years with $16MM guaranteed, per Rapoport (Twitter link).
Gang Green will continue its spending spree on the eve of the free agent period, as the club has already arguably the premier defensive player on the board — cornerback Trumaine Johnson — plus two quarterbacks in Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater. Given that New York ranked in the top-five in available cap space heading into this week, it should come as no surprise that general manager Mike Maccagnan is flexing financial muscle.
The Jets were first linked to Williamson, who spent the first four years of his career with the Titans, on Tuesday. Williamson reportedly turned down a four-year, $12MM deal to remain in Tennessee. In New York, he’ll stick in a 3-4 scheme and play alongside former first-round pick Darron Lee. The Jets’ signing of Williamson should prevent the return of fellow linebacker Demario Davis, who started all 16 games for New York a season ago.
Williamson, 26, has been an extremely durable player since entering the league as fifth-round pick in 2015, as he’s missed only a single contest during that time. Last season, Williamson started all 16 games for the Titans while racking up 52 tackles, three sacks, and graded as the NFL’s No. 10 linebacker, per Pro Football Focus.
PFR ranked Williamson as the eighth-best free agent linebacker, but among those we listed above him, only Anthony Hitchens has landed a new deal, while Paul Posluszny announced his retirement.
[RELATED: Jets Depth Chart]
Yay! Who is he?
If you’re a fairly big football fan you definitely should know who he is
Decent in run game. Gets exposed in coverage. Never made the leap from early success in his career.
Would have liked to see him in GB but cap space is pretty much gone now.
Jets made a pretty big splash on the first day. They didn’t get Keenum or Cousins, but got Bridgewater, McKown, Williamson, Crowell, Johnson.