The Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs may sign released former fourth-rounder cornerback, Anthony Averett before the regular season begins. According to a report, the Steelers have been making adjustments to their roster and Averett was one of those cuts so now he’s available on the free-agent market. Averett spent the duration of his rookie year with the Ravens before becoming a full-time starter in 2021. Injuries have been hampering his abilities so it makes sense why the Steelers are releasing him after leaving the last preseason game against the Bills.
He was a journeyman in his career even after earning a one-year deal with the Raiders in 2022 but injuries continued to haunt him. Pittsburgh gave him an opportunity thinking that he would be a viable option behind Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson but that didn’t fare well for either side. He may still earn an opportunity in the NFL but only to fill a roster’s depth chart since the 29-year-old is getting older. There are plenty of teams that are looking to fill depth at the position after his release since the best cornerback available, Stephon Gilmore signed with the Vikings.
One roster is the Kansas City Chiefs since trading away L’Jarius Sneed but they’re bracing for anyone to step up. One source is urging the Chiefs to trade for a star since no one like Trent McDuffie is stepping up to fill in shoes for Sneed’s departure. This could push the Chiefs to put better but they’re better off signing a veteran like Averett to make an impact now for cheap. However, there are new faces in the cornerback room in Baltimore who are Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa.
They need a solid veteran to assist both Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens in an depth role.
Ravens, Chiefs May Sign Released Former Fourth Rounder Anthony Averett
Other Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys will probably have to rely on their defense this season since they’re stalling on extending CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. It isn’t an easy process due to their salary cap situation but they’re only making it harder on themselves by waiting. Dallas might as well continue bolstering their defense to give the team a fighting chance since the offense looks weak. However, the team is finally making some roster moves after adding Jordan Phillips and Carl Lawson.
They should be doing the same with their secondary considering they’re not bringing back Gilmore anymore. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are two solid starters but eventually, they’re going to need help. Averett won’t be anything like Gilmore but it’s enough insurance to be around in case Bland or Diggs goes down with an injury.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were not able to make things work by bringing back Gilmore but they were able to make a deal for Averett. Carolina was so busy preparing to turn Bryce Young into potentially a top-5 quarterback that they didn’t have time to sign a legitimate cornerback. Rookie Chau Smith-Wade isn’t going to get off to a fast foot so the Panthers only have a banged-up Jaycee Horn who could still go but nothing special. Carolina still needs to win on defense so Averett would probably get every opportunity out there as a starter.
New Orleans Saints
Marshon Lattimore was receiving some attention this offseason in trade rumors and Paulson Adebo may be on his way out. The Saints are not in the position to hand out a big contract extension since they’re battling to clean up their salary cap. However, the only way they can keep a reliable veteran on the roster is to bring in Averett as a solid replacement in case of anything.
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