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Ian Rapoport has the details on the contract linebacker Avery Williamson will sign with the Jets.
Williamson gets 3-years, $22.5M with $16M guaranteed. https://t.co/0W49CKjoYU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
I like Williamson, but that is one pricey deal relative to what he brings to the table. Keep in mind his former team, the Titans, reportedly offered him 4 years, $12 million.
Deals like this for linebackers tend to fall into two categories. They usually are either given to guys who both play the run and cover well, or they are mistakes. Williamson does not have a strong track record in coverage. The two down run stopping linebacker is not an expensive commodity in today’s NFL.
We will see what the Jets can do with Williamson. Can they help him develop in coverage? Can they find a role where he will thrive? They did a good job with Demario Davis last year.
There is potential reward with this deal, but I have to admit the numbers here make this a higher risk signing than I anticipated.