Bucs Sign Veteran Linebacker

The Bucs are preparing for their final preseason game against the Colts on Saturday and with one practice remaining beforehand they are adding to the roster. According to NFL Insider Adam Caplan, the Bucs are signing outside linebacker Genard Avery.

Avery was released by the Steelers on Tuesday as part of their cuts from 85 to 80. It was a surprise move to most who cover the team, who thought Avery was in line to be the third outside linebacker for Pittsburgh. Prior to signing with the Steelers, Avery spent the last two and a half seasons with the Eagles. He played in 35 games during his stint in Philadelphia, with 12 starts coming last season. In 2021 he had 43 tackles and one sack wit four tackles for-a-loss.

Entering the league in 2018 as a fifth-round selection out of Memphis, Avery had his most productive season his rookie year with the Browns. In five starts he posted 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass deflections, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. For his career he has 101 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks.

However, with the Bucs appearing to be set at outside linebacker, where Avery can make an immediate impact is on special teams. He has 418 career special teams snaps, including 98 snaps last season. Most of his snaps came on the field goal block unit but he also has seen a lot of snaps on kick coverage units.

Avery’s addition means the Bucs will need to part ways with someone on the current roster. Already at the 80-man limit, the Bucs could go a variety of ways with good depth at a few positions. Although they could decide to make a lateral move at the position with undrafted rookie Jordan Young on the chopping block.