In a shocking turn of events, former fourth-round cornerback Anthony Averett has been released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, opening up the possibility for the Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs to swoop in and sign the talented defensive player before the regular season kicks off. Averett, who spent his rookie year with the Ravens before becoming a starter in 2021, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. The Steelers decided to part ways with him after he sustained an injury in the last preseason game against the Bills.
Despite signing a one-year deal with the Raiders in 2022, Averett’s journeyman career has been marred by persistent injuries. The Steelers had hoped he could provide valuable depth behind Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson, but unfortunately, things did not pan out as expected. At 29 years old, Averett may still have a chance to find a new home in the NFL, albeit likely in a depth role given his injury history.
Following his release, there has been speculation about which team will take a chance on Averett. The Kansas City Chiefs, in particular, have a void to fill after trading away L’Jarius Sneed. The team is exploring various options, including potentially pursuing a trade for a star player. However, signing a seasoned veteran like Averett could offer an immediate impact at a lower cost.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are also considering adding Averett to their cornerback room, which already features rising stars Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa. With the departure of Stephon Gilmore, who recently signed with the Vikings, there is a pressing need for experienced depth at the position. Averett could provide valuable support to cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens.
In the midst of all these potential opportunities, the Carolina Panthers emerged as a surprise contender for Averett’s services. With their focus primarily on developing quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers have a void to fill in their secondary. Rookie Chau Smith-Wade may not be ready to start immediately, leaving the door open for Averett to step in and contribute right away.
Looking ahead, other teams such as the New Orleans Saints are also monitoring the situation with Averett. With trade rumors swirling around Marshon Lattimore and uncertainty surrounding Paulson Adebo, the Saints are in need of a reliable veteran presence in their secondary. Averett could be the perfect stop-gap solution for a team looking to shore up its defense without breaking the bank.
As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the potential signing of Anthony Averett by either the Ravens, Chiefs, Panthers, or Saints could have significant implications for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates as teams evaluate their options and make moves to bolster their rosters before the regular season gets underway.
